Review Summary: A little EP with a lot of substance
Although not as emotionally extreme as some of Single Soul’s earlier material,
Songs About Girls proves to be a very satisfying EP. Consisting of only three tracks, this album delivers a quick dose of enjoyable music that even manages to build an atmosphere over its short running time. Effectively pairing a touch of light piano over sombre guitar work, this EP resembles Single Souls past material, however, there are of course some key differences. To begin with, the piano is much more prominent on this album, heavily lending its support to the first track on the EP and taking over the last. The guitar work also manages an interesting balance of chord and riff-driven approaches when it comes to songwriting. Lastly, the vocals have improved somewhat noticeably since their last appearance on Single Souls’
I Wish I Was a Bird So I Could Fly Away… . Compared to previous album, the vocal work appears a lot more clear and focused in its delivery, effectively enhancing this EP’s innate charm.
There are certainly some elements that have remained as a constant presence through the Single Soul journey, although not all of them are pleasant. The production has largely remained unchanged, but not necessarily to the disadvantage of the material. The muddy quality gives something to the album that might otherwise have been difficult to capture. In any case, the production doesn’t particularly hurt the EP, but it may be impeding some of the nuanced elements on the first and third tracks. The guitar maintains its designated role, laying down simple melodies which accompany the vocal component without overstepping. Renewed activity of the piano bulks up the atmosphere, whether it be accompanying the guitar on ‘Weirder Than Carissa’ or taking centre stage on closer ‘I Miss You When You Leave’. A more simplistic method is applied on the album highlight, sandwiched between two piano soaked tracks. ‘Ur My Sofisticated F*** Princess’ utilises memorable guitar melodies and honest lyricism to draw attention to itself. It’s quite a different track to anything Single Soul has attempted, especially when the viola is implemented as back up to the straigforward guitar playing. Even though it may be the most basic track on the album, it has an openness that draws the listener in which allows it to surpass its companion tracks.
Songs About Girls has a lot to offer despite its limited run time. There has clearly been an attentive effort made to make each track shine independently of each other and simultaneously work together to better the album as a whole. Consciously or otherwise, there’s something that sets this EP apart; the only problem is, it will leave you longing for more.
