Acres Even's Debut EP Hints at a Promising Start
Acres Even doesn’t take themselves too seriously. The indie rock group from LA is easy-going and goofy — just look at the Instagram promotion for their new EP. From a Bob Ross parody to a hilarious fashion show called Double Denim Daddies (where each band member, dressed head to toe in denim, struts down various makeshift catwalks), the band has been flexing their video production skills in this pandemic. Vocalist and guitarist Ben Burr told me the EP was named Rose Gold just because it was his favorite color at the time.
When it comes to their music, though, this sort of silliness isn’t as present. While some of their songs are indeed laid back, there are impressive moments of intricate instrumentation and narrative-driven lyricism. There’s more angst than they let on.
Rose Gold is nostalgic, giving 2010s era indie vibes. It starts off upbeat and ends hauntingly, carrying a theme of change throughout. It’s the kind of music you would hear at a backyard show with friends (which happens to be how the band got their start) or a quirky, coming-of-age tv show. The EP is only four songs long, but there's plenty to praise.
The first two tracks are chill and catchy, but ultimately verge on feeling like standard indie beach jams. They aren’t as memorable in comparison to the second half, where Acres Even has a much more distinct sound.
“Decorated Shelf” is about a girl who's the "happiest dancing right inside the flame.” It’s quite an image, but it’s one that conveys growth and freedom. That type of imagery helps make this the most lyrically interesting song on the EP — it creates a compelling character. After the second chorus, the track unexpectedly explodes. The guitars become brash: the riffs are powerful and a little mosh-worthy.
The final track, “Come Home” is a quiet folky rock ballad that shows a softer side to Ben's voice. It's the story of a car accident victim who is unable to fight on, from the perspective of someone who's asking if they could still "come home." There’s a moment after the first verse and chorus that left me in awe, where it’s just acoustic guitar, soft bass and melancholy violin blending in perfect unison. Towards the end, a choir of hums comes in and they let that soft bass soar, and the waterworks start. The last thing we hear on Rose Gold is the dinging sound of a car door left open. It's an eerie detail that makes you curious what else the band has in store.
Acres Even delivers an EP that surprised me in the best way possible. After reviewing their single last year, I’ve been waiting for more releases and feared they may end up blending into all the other LA indie bands I’ve heard, especially when they only had one song out. After talking to Ben last year and getting to know the band, after hearing how passionate they are about music, I believe they have something special. Acres Even is just getting started.
Rose Gold can be found on Spotify, Soundcloud and Bandcamp.