Review Summary: Glory, glory, hallelujah
Time for a short review of a short release. This is Weezer’s first proper EP containing fully original songs and not just remixes or singles. It is the first in a set of 4 EPs due to be released across the year, each themed after the seasons. This is the Spring EP, fittingly released on this year’s equinox. It runs for 21 minutes and features 7 tracks. This EP was teased as having a carefree folky sound, which it does have but in all honesty it’s more baroque folk with power pop elements. The songs mostly have that trademark fuzzy guitar that Weezer are fairly known for, effectively making this the most Weezer like release since the White album. It’s probably their most twee work in a while, if not ever. ‘A Little Bit of Love’ is a lovely, lightweight pop folk tune with some great drum work and a melodica thrown in for good measure. ‘Angels on Vacation’ sports a choral opening and a weird, moody breakdown alongside a great catchy chorus. ‘The Sound of Drums’ is probably the most interesting song here, mainly in that it actually sounds like that ‘music that sounds like Weezer but is from 1440’ meme, though with added touches of crunchy guitar work making this a real standout. ‘The Garden of Eden’ features a gorgeous ambient opening and continues on with a pleasant catchy rhythm and an almost pastoral quality. It’s lovely stuff though it features a slightly awkward vocal melody in the chorus. There’s the odd stinker. The fittingly named first track ‘Opening Night’ is repetitive and features an annoying vocal melody that doesn’t really work, which sadly sets a bad first impression, though the EP quickly gets better.
‘Spring’ is a neat little EP. It’s a miracle that it’s only 21 minutes because if it were a full length album, I think the charm would wear off fast and it would feel way too gimmicky. As it is, ‘Spring’ is a pleasant and breezy folk pop release with that trademark Weezer sound mixed with some nice acoustics and string instruments (though they’re not nearly as present as they were on ‘OK Human’). The lyrics kinda suck balls but it’s Weezer so what do you expect? They’re so gaudy and fairly embarrassing that they’re charming in a way. A good start to this working year for the band and I’m excited to see what the other records hold.
Standouts: Angels on Vacation, A Little Bit of Love, The Garden of Eden, The Sound of Drums, Wild at Heart
Skips: Opening Night
