This EP starts out with "Wonder", and it's a very pleasant, Garage-tinged intro. I'll be honest, I actually really love this tune. This doesn't take nearly as much of an overly dreamy approach to things. I actually could see fans of bands like Beach Fossils being into this. The vocals are a little syrupy and sweet, but it comes with the territory, and I'm willing to overlook it. I love the straightforward approach to the production here, everything isn't just soaked in reverb or anything. "Wonder" is just some really pleasant Dream Pop. It's got good pacing, sweet vocals, and just enough atmosphere. If we had more acts like this, the Dream Pop genre wouldn't be so one-dimensional. Then we have "Annie Blue", which is a whole lot more upbeat and brings in a lot of Post Punk elements. If you were into the early days of DayWave, who provided the production on this EP, you're going to LOVE this. This is a little more by the books and dreamy, but Launder really do keep it interesting with some great guitar-work. Plus, there's so much nostalgia packed in this one, and listening to it gives me countless memories. It's retro, but not way too stuck in the past that it drags anything down. "Annie Blue" is just a great, upbeat, dreamy number.
"Keep You Close" featuring Soko" is up next, and it's a little slower and even hazier. But little details like those pounding drum fills make this one pop. But of all of the vocals on this EP, I feel like this is actually my least favorite. The chorus may be big and bold, and incredibly memorable for sure. But the verses, my lord, these two can't sound any more bored and half asleep than they do. I do think the atmosphere is on point, and the instrumental is certainly enough to keep me awake. But as a whole "Keep You Close" isn't doing as much for me. But thankfully Soko on that hook really brings in one of the catchiest here, so this is far from all bad. "Fade" on the other hand is a little more stripped down. But the simplicity of this one is so charming, and that one lone synth is just so sweet and likable. On these verses again, John does sort of walk the line between bored and just plain lazy. But thankfully he prevails and makes a much more charming and sweet slow jam track. I mean, obviously, if you're not into this style of hazy Dream Pop this isn't going to win you over. Because trust me, the production is sort of Low-Fi, the instrumental is hazy and the vocals are drenched in effects. But if you're into bands like Beach Fossils or DayWave or DIIV, this is refreshing to the genre. Now, personally, I wanted to hear another upbeat and sort of Post-Punk track for a EP closer. But "Follow Me Down" is certainly charming and sweet. In a way, I do wish Launder switched things up a little bit more. But I can't deny just how endearing this is. Also, I love just how big anthemic the chorus is here. Launder has a really pleasant and refreshing sound, but they gotta stick with it. Because let me tell you, this slow-paced, dreary tone may be working for now. But in the future, this easily could be boring, But for now, this EP is sharp.
Rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Dream Pop / Post Punk
Overall Thoughts: This is a very charming, sweet Dream Pop EP. If you know whose involved with this EP, then you can sort of tell ahead of time what to expect. Very hazy atmospheres, super dreary production, and some charming vocals. However, Launder does a great job of keeping things interesting with some great vocal harmonies and some awesome guitar work. It's a solid EP, one that certainly could have been so much less interesting. But I hope Launder keep the instrumentals interesting and some of these harmonies as snappy as they are. Cause this could easily eventually be another toss away Dream Pop project. But for now, this EP is great.
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