Review Summary: Maybe I’m just spoiled…
Time flies when listening to Summer Nights, an EP of five songs. Music usually makes a special impression on me but Summer Nights quickly and silently disappears from view. The EP is comprised of dream pop songs analogous with Hatchie in terms of wind swept beach vibes; however, Hazel English is missing the electronic bluster, and fuller soundscape. The EP gives good feelings, but in this case, it’s less thanks to production, and more because I like this type of music. It’s safe and enjoyable - just good enough - a pleasant indie pop venture. While the EP is too simple to stand out, a certain charm compels me to further listens. Hazel has a pretty voice, not irritating or unfitting of the genre, and with the simplistic instrumentation the EP is calm and easy. Male vocals are coupled with Hazel’s vocals evenly as well, adding an extra layer of warmth/depth.
Far be it from me to discount a cute indie pop release, but there’s points to take note of. The instrumental backing is not memorable in any type of way, with guitars as simple as the beats, and electronics are barely there. Furthermore, Hazel sounds almost bored, often giving a rather lacklustre performance. It’s certainly the style of music to give a light, fluffy sound, but the lack of nuance doesn’t keep things in forward motion. It’s pleasant as I said, but with no real grippy substance; drifting like steam, Summer Nights goes in one ear and out the other. While good, there’s really nothing that stops Summer Nights from being a generic indie pop album - therein lies my frustration. For a genre labeled “dream pop” I expect something more dreamy, something that will help me float to the Heavens. Instead, I found myself falling asleep and dreaming of better albums.
