Engine Summer are known for their DIY know-how, memorable shows and their versatility across the board. Rosie shares her thoughts on their latest EP and wether or not she thinks they’re a band you should be listening to.

Formed only 4 years ago, Engine Summer introduced themselves at various indie clubs around their home city, Chicago. Their indie-punk music made a lasting impression resulting in taking the band on several tours along the east coast. Packed with distortion, humorous lyrics with their eccentric characters shining through, alongside influences from Van Halen and Thee Casual Hex, Engine Summer starts the new year off with their latest EP, Back-Street Boys.

Back-Street Boys begins with ‘Carol’s Dead’, a journey told through spoken-word alongside a dominant bass line and a repetitive riff. The verses are spoken in turns by each of the members, since there are only three members this gives the track a tightly knit, collaborative feel vocally, which is also prominent all the way throughout the EP.

‘Groovin’ On The 63rd’ picks up the pace rapidly. Despite being a really short track, the faster sung verses, more distortion and an outro reminiscing the likes of Rage Against The Machine, brings some life and a refreshing change into the middle of a collection of relatively slow tracks. Many of the tracks incorporate 60’s groove influences as well which adds a vintage tint on to the EP alongside the guitar riffs which come from modern indie-rock.

The EP as a whole is groovy, interesting, and uniquely incorporates modern and classic together into a fusion that works and would be appreciated at a variety of venues from underground to at a sit-down meal.

Rosie Chalk
★★★☆☆

ENGINE SUMMER - BACK-STREET BOYS EP