EAR PWR (self-titled release)
LABEL: Carpark Records

EAR PWR. Sounds kind of menacing, doesn’t it? Fear not, for this North Carolina duo is all about summer, though the production might say otherwise. There are occasional thunderstorms, but the kind that are charming and fun to watch. The band has gained a fair amount of attention, even garnering the blessing of the influential band Animal Collective who added EAR PWR to their curated set at All Tomorrow’s Party Festival last month. With EAR PWR’s latest release, Ear Pwr, a hodgepodge of summer bliss and sorrow are served with a cool class of tangy pink lemonade, which is sure to make your make the warmth more bearable.

The album opens with the ominous synth blaring of “Mountain Home,” but it’s tough hide strips bear to reveal Sarah Reynolds pleasing vocals that coo: “You think were dumb/ ...we’re just happy.” It’s a combination of carelessness, yet the unsettling feeling of self-consciousness bubbles up from time to time. Devin Booze’s production speaks as much about feelings and sentiments than the vocals can. The intricate layering of the track “Baby Houses” coincides well with Reynolds’ long listing of people, places, and things that are simply reminiscent of home.

  EAR PWR - National Parks by carparkrecords

The subject matter ranges drastically on this album. From the previously mentioned sentiments of personal thoughts, to things as simple as a swim on the lake, Reynolds’ songwriting covers it all. Album standout “Lake” is a wave-like track that features Reynolds’ light-as-a-feather vocals and Booze’s superb manipulation of tempo and pitch. Each pulsation feels like a warm wave across one’s body, and it’s multiplied by Reynolds’ endearing plea, “I’ll walk around that lake with you.” Another one of these simple, yet charming tracks is “North Carolina,” a quaint homage to the state that houses this duo.

EAR PWR’s self-titled release isn’t something that’ll blow you out of the water, but it’s a pleasant journey that’s sure make you fuzzy inside. Occasionally, the production becomes a little overbearing, and the subject matter in some of the songs are slightly redundant; however, Ear Pwr is an album that does well in creating a landscape akin to those hazy summer afternoons where lawn chairs replace sofas, and sunglasses replace curtains.


REVIEWED BY ADRIAN ROJAS
ADRIAN’S FAVORITE TRACKS: “Lake” • “North Carolina” • “National Parks”
Read more from Adrian on his blog, On the Importance of Being Rash