Review Summary: “The Classic EP” is a start to what could’ve been
A lot of the time, bands usually strive to make their own niche sonically and commercially. For some bands the latter might be less important as compared to the former. Carving a distinct niche is a difficult thing to do. Some bands start out with a specific sound and go with it and can be applied to be their “niche”. While it might not be intentional it happens and it’s a natural part of writing music. This brings me to Firefly Summer. There’s nothing about them that jumps out at you. Instead, Firefly Summer has a gem in the form of a vocalist. The band’s emphasis on melodic singing and good song-writing helps the “Classic EP” stand out from an otherwise generic musicianship.
The emphasis on melodic can be seen first and foremost on the intro track titled “Acapella” which leads directly into “Cigarette”. The warming nature of the vocalist is the first thing one will notice about the songs. The production emphasizes this element of the music and the instruments are down in the mix of the music. There’s nothing mind-blowing here instrumentally which fits quite well with the overall composition of the songs. This provides the perfect fit for the relaxing nature of the music.
Firefly Summer doesn’t really attempt at “rocking out”, but when they do the disc prospers. A hint of this can be seen in the last track “Chances are…” where the last minute shows a glimpse of the band’s more rocking elements. The definite stand out track is “The Waltz” which starts out with a catchy and bouncy guitar line and then quickly turns into easily their most energetic and heaviest song on the EP. It also ends up being the best song and the most easily distinguishable song out of the EP. The use of back up vocals really adds to the meat of the music and only heightens the band’s emphasis on melodic singing. But at points the emphasis on melodic singing starts to get boring after a while and at times the harmonizing can end up sounding like Alvin and the chipmunks. Not only that, but there’s not much to the disc that keeps you interested and wanting you to come back, though there are a fair share of hooks. This is what makes “The Classic EP” sounds like Firefly Summer was capable of a lot more. It could’ve been a catalyst for a great sound to come.
Soon after releasing “The Classic EP”, Firefly Summer disbanded and left a bunch of potential behind them. Throughout their mere four years of existence, they realized the secrets of song writing and finding a distinct sound and “The Classic EP” is a start to what could’ve been. While it’s mostly featureless, it has its moments and is worthy debut.
