Review Summary: The calm before the storm.
There Will Be Fireworks always has a way of creating a wonderful mood while listening to their music. The reason
Because, Because's successor got the reception it did was for just this very reason and their pleasant but brief EP is no exception. However,
Because, Because essentially gives us a little taste of what we will hear on
The Dark, Dark Bright and it shows that the band still has a ways to go in terms of maturing. Aside from a section of average production and occasionally lackluster vocals, their EP is certainly an enjoyable listen for anyone who loves pleasant upbeat music. Rest assured, you will without a doubt feel fantastic while listening to this.
"Harmonium Song" immediately foreshadows the entire sound of their EP. Driven by a simple but nonetheless effective piano melody and beautiful guitar riffs, "Harmonium Song" soars in its feel good mood and its typically soothing vocals from Nicky McManus. This mood flows perfectly into its succeeding track "This Feels Like" with the albums best lyrics and undeniably catchy vocals. Nicky gives an extremely enjoyable performance and the piano along with some textured guitar riffs convey the message about dwelling on words you said in the past. Both of these songs are undeniably the highlights of their EP and do not disappoint. The song structures are also more straightforward and we see almost no essences of post rock builds or crescendos and instead we have very accessible songs that are more chilled out than songs like "Here Is Where" or "Colombian Fireworks." Even though this is not a bad thing by any means,
Because, Because's second half leaves a little more to be desired.
"From '84" and "In Excelsis Deo" are certainly not bad songs as a whole. However, both of them present the EP's obvious flaws. In "From '84," Nicky gives a disappointingly pitchy performance and there is nothing much going on in the song as a whole other than an acoustic guitar riff. "In Excelsis Deo" for the most part is a great song that utilizes strings and a fantastic build, but once the guitar kicks into high gear, it's extremely fuzzy and doesn't go well with the strings. It for the most part kills the mood, sounds a little iffy in the mix, and doesn't feel natural. Aside from this slightly disappointing conclusion,
Because, Because showcases solid work from There Will Be Fireworks. Their maturity hasn't peaked yet, but vast amounts of potential are shown here and they will soon make a name for themselves and grow into something breathtaking two years later. Aside from some typical "up and coming bands" flaws,
Because, Because will please anyone who loves chilled out acoustic songs and the typical indie sound.
