We had real fun listening to ‘Crooked Smiles’. An emotional, nuanced EP, the record is as expressive and poignant as it could be, collecting a series of delicate indie-pop jewels. It reminds us of Death Cab for Cutie, among others – it features the same pathos and hidden melancholia. True to its ideals, ‘Crooked Smiles’ then navigates among gentle acoustic guitars, eclectic drums and warm, large piano chords.
Pavilion Rd are the talented humans behind the album; hailing from Cardiff, the group has made a name for themselves thanks to meaningful and relatable pieces, often delivered with the elegance of pop, yet retaining a certain alternative character. While ‘Crooked Smiles’ contains only three tracks, it is still enough to grasp a firm glimpse into the band’s vibrant aesthetic.
‘Memorabilia’ is perhaps the most polite offering on the record, empowering brushed drums and veiled folk energy. ‘Birds’ echoes early 2000s indie stylings, with ‘Time to Time’ being dangerously close to the likes of ‘Transatlanticism’. Overall, ‘Crooked Smiles’ is a record that will be loved – we have no doubt about that.
Recommended! Discover ‘Crooked Smiles’ on Spotify:
