A song can be a window into the artists’ heart. When the track creates a mood that can draw you in, it’s hard to not feel it in you when listening to it. The Scott Smith Bands’ new EP has two tracks that do just that. With a warm Americana vocal performance and some killer basslines, this new EP is one to get into. It all starts with Small Town, U.S.A.
Small Town, U.S.A. has bouncy bass guitars set the tone with the bright piano, while the guitar licks melodically by. The percussion evens out the bounce of the bass to keep your head moving, with memorable lines littering the track all the way through. It’s hard to not crack a smile and remember lines such as “when the break of dawn comes on like King Kong†before the guitar picks itself up for a moment. These moments add up to a stand-out guitar solo around the 2-minute mark to solidify its presence while staying mellow enough to fit in the upbeat groove of the track. The warm feeling of longing comes through perfectly in this track, with a vocal performance that matches the heart of the lyrics. The track has a magnetic quality, with a sunny tone and upbeat lyrics that anyone can enjoy.
Got a $100 Bill has a deep bass cradles some hard-rockin guitar licks, accompanying a beat that feels forward-moving. The bass keeps the mood of the song while the guitar freely licks the air to keep the hard rocking edge, creeping along the vocals to keep the rambling groove going. The performance shines the most during the chorus, where it climbs right behind Scott Smith as he sings “soft as a pillow, sweet as cherry pie.†The progression is palpable and hits extra hard when it leads into the psychedelic guitar solo just passed the 2-minute mark. The solo itself is electrifying as its descending wails feel as though you’re falling before the track picks you right back up at the end. A stand-out track.
Scott Smith’s EP tracks are memorable and groovy. The basslines that guide the two tracks let you get lost in the groove easily, making it hard to not move to it. Each track has its own personality and feels great when listened to side-by side. The rambling beats of Got a $100 Bill are sure to move you before the trippy guitar solo psyches you out, while Small Town, U.S.A. is a great feel-good track with a sunny aesthetic. This EP shouldn’t be missed by country or folk fans, with each track being a satisfying and robust listen.
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