Julia Conny
09/18/08, 08:08 PM
Annuals - Wet Zoo EP
Release Date: April 1st, 2008
Record Label: Canvasback Music
Who Is It?
Annuals, a band I love a ton, releasing new material, so I can't find much to complain about. This dream pop, indie rock act from Raleigh, NC are known for building up gentle soundscapes into massive, marching and multi-elemental ambient journeys. The EP features five songs, three new tracks from Annuals, and then two by Sunfold, which are really written and performed by Kenny Florence, the guitarist for Annuals.
How Is It?
Nothing to complain about here. "Sore" begins somber, an unusual tone for Annuals, but then turns the melody into a more bittersweet statement, which, of course, works itself into a familiar stomping. "Around Your Neck" showcases the regular tumbling strum and vocalist Adam Baker's delightful bounce. Handclaps litter the end, and it's a taste of what I love about the band. Acoustic "Just Stay In" is gorgeous and moving. Have I mentioned I love this band? For the last two tracks by Sunfold, the feel of the EP is totally different. The vocals are sharp, the guitars hit harder - they even wail! The dream pop has definitely left the room. Despite the change of pace, and the slight time it takes to adjust, both ending tracks are still worthy and positive additions to the release, especially the bluesy, spontaneous ending on "Watering Pail".
Anathallo, The Shins, Stars, Ben FoldsAP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/annuals)| Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/annuals) | Purchase (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014DCTG0?tag=pageturners0c&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B0014DCTG0&creative=373489&camp=211189)
Release Date: April 1st, 2008
Record Label: Canvasback Music
Who Is It?
Annuals, a band I love a ton, releasing new material, so I can't find much to complain about. This dream pop, indie rock act from Raleigh, NC are known for building up gentle soundscapes into massive, marching and multi-elemental ambient journeys. The EP features five songs, three new tracks from Annuals, and then two by Sunfold, which are really written and performed by Kenny Florence, the guitarist for Annuals.
How Is It?
Nothing to complain about here. "Sore" begins somber, an unusual tone for Annuals, but then turns the melody into a more bittersweet statement, which, of course, works itself into a familiar stomping. "Around Your Neck" showcases the regular tumbling strum and vocalist Adam Baker's delightful bounce. Handclaps litter the end, and it's a taste of what I love about the band. Acoustic "Just Stay In" is gorgeous and moving. Have I mentioned I love this band? For the last two tracks by Sunfold, the feel of the EP is totally different. The vocals are sharp, the guitars hit harder - they even wail! The dream pop has definitely left the room. Despite the change of pace, and the slight time it takes to adjust, both ending tracks are still worthy and positive additions to the release, especially the bluesy, spontaneous ending on "Watering Pail".
Anathallo, The Shins, Stars, Ben FoldsAP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/annuals)| Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/annuals) | Purchase (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014DCTG0?tag=pageturners0c&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B0014DCTG0&creative=373489&camp=211189)