Several Arrows Later hinted they were wishing they were more rockin’, here they sound like they’re trying too hard, and at the expense of the melodies.
Delicate but not fragile hooks, airy but not ethereal production, ornate but not orchestral string accompaniment, all coming together around bulletproof tunes.
Though the first two entries aren’t anywhere near the band’s best moments (even the production is shabby), the two quiet closers make the EP worth the trip.
Same delicate, shuffling chamber pop that brings to mind The Divine Comedy and Rachel’s (without sounding like either), but the songs are stronger this time.
The best source for Midwestern math-ish indie/instrumental/emo rock, Polyvinyl has put together a damn fine (and balanced) sampler for those uninitiated.