Music always conveys a feeling. For most musicians, it is how they express themselves in their most profound ways. Such artistry can be felt in Strange Culprits new EP. With two very different offerings but each with its own unique flavor, the Smiths Creek EP shows exactly what the band is made of.
Smith’s Creek opens the EP with a bassline that immediately grabs you. It never lets up, with catchy licks and a groove that paces the track that goes perfectly with the vocalist. The deep, soft croons give this track a dreamy quality when accompanied by the groovy bassline. This feeling is magnified during the build-ups to the chorus as the track subtly raises the volume before hitting it.
Namesake is a much more traditional rock song with a heavier tone. Right away the instrumentals grab you with the guitar and take you on a ride that is only a pleasure to the ears. The instrumental arrangement is as smooth as the voice of the vocalist on this track, who also adopts a different tone from “Smith’s Creek.” As he switches into a style that keeps up with the track, the emotion can still be felt on lines such as “Another sunrise, another chance to shine, another chance to get it right, my little satellite” and on each note he carries on the chorus. Combined with the instrumental ride spearheaded by catchy guitar riffs, this track shows the musicianship of the band.
Smith’s Creek EP is a great listen. Strange Culprits have a unique sound that is eclectic but very personal through the vocalist. His crooning is emotional and adds weight to the words he sings. Each track has its own personality and stands on its own, but has a flow that is undeniable. It sets a great stage for the attitude of the full album, which will no doubt add more to my playlist.
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