Catchy hooks, snappy ukulele, cello, trumpets, The Sandboys’ EP, “Glitches, imperfections and glorious quirks†is an auditory all you can eat. Thanks to the multifaceted approach, you might think this EP might have a hard time settling itself down and finding its way, but it’s that fun, cheerfulness and attention to diversity that makes it ultimately stand out.
It helps immensely that The Sandboys’ Mark Miller sounds a ton like Crowded House’s Neil Finn or even John Lennon. A bit more breathy, however, he’s not an imitator or emulator, but the clear, story-powered vocals will definitely connect ’80s babies a bit more than today’s musicophiles. Add in his solid work on the uke and it’s obvious after the first song on this EP that this band is delivering something different.
Supporting Miller is The Sandboys’ other half, Ben Harrison, who’s cello work definitely makes the band unique. If there’s a point on this EP where you like what you’re hearing, but don’t know what instrument it is, there’s a good chance it’s Harrison on cello.
Of all of the six songs on the EP, which range from cheerful (Wish For the Best) to more somber (Path of Least Resistance), the last track “More Than Enough†captures the essence of their tunes and possesses an awesome driving in the car on a sunny day feel. From the trumpet and ukulele to the cello and empowering and even sarcastic lyrics, it’s a fun track you’ll want to put on repeat.
Six tracks aren’t enough to truly understand a band and their mission most of the time, but this EP is sneaky good. Inducing a smile from the start, it’ll make you wish you were on a beach with a ukulele of your own.
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