
Listening Booth – Annuals, “Loxtep”
The first followup project to Annuals’ excellent 2008 album, Such Fun, was released today. It’s a five-track EP entitled Sweet Sister, and it’s damn sweet indeed. The first two thing I noticed are the new production flourishes (in the form of electronics) and a more subdued mood – at least for the first half. This is a much more modern-sounding effort than the sun-drenched, retro Beach Boys-esque arrangements of Such Fun, particularly the strong title track.
“Holler and Howl” adds a bit of old-fashioned country tonk to the mix, although filtered through Annuals’ distinctive pop prism, while “Flesh and Blood” could easily pass itself off as a modern country radio track (albeit much more enjoyable).
Hmmm, I guess this is also a mini-review too. Anyway, here’s the first track from Sweet Sister, “Loxtep”. Get the song, then get the rest of the EP.