Smallpools - The Science of Letting Go EP

Smallpools
The Science of Letting Go EP
2017
Spotify

I've been a Smallpools fan for awhile now, essentially since they first started performing around LA. They got some major hype when The Chainsmokers remixed their track "Dreaming" and have since co-wrote the electronic duo's hit "Break Up Every Night". The funny thing is Smallpools could not be further away from that generic EDM pop with their extremely earnest lyrics. The band has always worn their hearts on their sleeves like when during shows they would throw out an inflatable Orca as they played "Killer Whales" and blasted Sea World. Their music is bright piano driven rock, something we miss today but on this EP it seems like they are making a push to be a bit more funky. "Million Bucks" the first single is standard Smallpools fare, but "DJs & Porches" has this really slippery groove to it, not to mention a great bounce. It is a track about well, LA as much of their music is but not put through the typical "LA is vapid and devoid of artistic integrity" lens. Maybe that's why I like it, I'm pretty sick of my city being boiled down to tropes about fucking Hollywood and the Entertainment biz. Real people live here and so do real artists something that Smallpools gets and really utilizes in a great way. The band have also doubled down on the realness with each track telling a really specific story, all the characters and places are right on the surface rather than shrouded in mystery. Yet they manage maintain those great Smallpools hooks which latch on to your brain and just flat out refuse to leave.

For anyone who has seen the band live the first thing you notice is how great drummer Beau Kuther is. He manages to standout in a band who's music is bombastic and big driving the music to new heights. "Mother" the albums closer is well worn territory musically, but it really does capture something special in it's delivery. Sean Scanlon has such a unique voice, and a pretty damn good one to boot, it makes you wish The Chainsmokers would have employed him instead of letting Drew anywhere near a mic. The EP is short, but perfect timing since their last release was Lovetap back in 2015. The Science of Letting Go is a really perfect midsummer release, short but charged, and bright enough for your next summer party. There is a part of "DJs and Porches" that is so fun towards the end and it is a great summation of the record, really focusing on the joy that music brings. Smallpools have really taken a step forward with this one and show that they will continue to evolve as musicians.

8.0 out of 10