Rawkblog got it right when they said this about LA's The Smiles:
"Jangly, sweet and high-energy in a way that recalls a beach-ready, less Africa/boat shoe-obsessed Vampire Weekend..."
I'd say that's about right. The Smiles have found their way into the "happy pop" niche. Quinn spoke a while back about knowing songs are good when they can still be pared down and sound great when acoustic. YouTube shows us that these (presumably) college boys from CA have that aspect of songwriting figured out...although the studio certainly hasn't hurt their work.
So they've got an EP out and as far as I'm concerned it's a great way to round out summer, whether you're driving in the car singing loud with the windows down or lying in the sun with your headphones on, soaking up the sun. The Smiles are fans of some tight harmonies and easy-going surfy guitar. They share that same Africana kind of echo with Vampire Weekend, but again, expect the lyrical content to be a bit more relaxed and cute.
Via Bandcamp (which is quickly becoming one of my favorite ways to post music here and to stream it) you can enjoy the full EP and/or download it for an easy $4.50.
Happy listening, y'all.
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