Sweat EP- All American Rejects Review

When I set out to review this EP, it was a bit forced because I originally thought that these songs and this band weren't that good. But when I really gave it  few listens, my mind changed- I'm not saying I was blown away, but I definitely saw some major appeal and good elements in these songs.

I'll start with the obvious song: Sweat, the A-side, but not the better of the two. Its got a sort of Gorillaz feeling opening, launching into Sir Sly-like vocals but then revealing its true self: Fun. style pop "rock" with tendencies towards Arctic Monkeys- like tones that give the band it's Emo label. The Fun. like chorus is a bit boring, but the verses go from meh to memorable- meh being the annoying "I'm not a basic dude" in close proximity to the memorable "I know that it's hard to face the music that I lay to you." The characteristic pop rock guitar solo at the end doesn't really take away from the message of Emo insecurity, through the varied tones of pop rock.

Close Your Eyes is a bit better, probably even good enough to warrant itself  place on my permanent playlist. The soft and building verses build into an excellent chorus that instantly had me singing along with  chill summery The Neighbourhood like guitar, with a very effective rhythm guitar that propels both songs along. This song weaves an intricate tapestry with all of its instruments, and then brings them together in the best way possible with its vocals.

Overall, not bad songs but not always the best. I definitely liked Close Your Eyes better that Sweat, but they both have good instrumentals that re well arranged, which is crucial to pop rock success. With so many good songs coming out, All American Rejects' new album may take a back seat and Sweat may not make me want to listen in depth, leaving me with only the song Close Your Eyes. I do give bonus points though to All American Rejects putting this in the A/B side format, giving you more to listen to and more of a sense of what the album will be like.