David will be nothing BUT honest with his review of ‘I Don’t Like Being Honest’, the cracking debut EP from US four piece The Aces.
As introducers go, EPs are a great way to get people interested and wanting more for new artists finding their feet. And as an introducer EP, this one is pretty darn good!
‘I Don’t Like Being Honest’ is a ripper of an EP and is one to make you sit up and listen.
Hailing from the idyllic state of Utah, it’s hard not to compare their sound to pop-rock group HAIM. That being said, there’s something more raw and fresh with the sound The Aces bring to the table.
Reading the press release for this record, the band was influenced by some pretty iconic artists and it’s easy to hear every single one of the musicians who influenced the girls come through, all whilst sounding completely unique and fresh.
The EP is short – only four tracks long – but that allows you to appreciate the special moments when they happen. And there are a few here.
Lead single ‘Stuck’ does as the title suggests and gets in your head. It’s hard not to enjoy when you combine surfy guitar licks with lush layered synths and dynamic vocals. It’s also hard not to see the appeal of the group after one listen to this tune. Best moment in the song : the harmonies on the chorus singing “I’m stuck babe, stuck with nowhere to go,” particularly on the final chorus.
The second track is another upbeat affair. Considered their second single, ‘Physical’ adds a little bit more of a groove to things. The things I like about the first track are still here, but the melody on the guitar and bass are what make this song special. Best moment in the song : the “oh’s” in the chorus – super catchy!
Three tracks in and we are treated to ‘Baby Who’. What I’d consider the closest thing to a ballad here, it’s a funky track that also gets in your head. It’s also not quite a ballad lyrically, because the girls are singing about their independence from a lover. Best moment in the song : how the girls sing “Baby WHO-OOH!” (Great use of reverb!)
EP closer ‘Touch’ is the final energised tune which leaves me wanting more. I’ve complained about it already, but this EP is just too short! Described as being a “coming of age” EP, it’s sophisticated pop-rock music, summed up best by this song. Best moment in the song : In the dying seconds of “Touch”, you’re treated to an amazing melody, only to have it die out entirely. A both satisfying and terrible way to end such a beautiful collection of songs.
This is an extremely solid debut EP that will leave you longing for more.
If you’re a fan of fresh music and like discovering new artists, now’s your chance to get onboard with The Aces. As their name suggests, they’re pretty ace.
VERDICT : 4/5.
MUST LISTEN : Stuck, Baby Who.
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