South Hill Experiment—two brothers, named Baird and Gabe—are releasing a really enjoyable new EP, “South Hill and Friends.” Four fun, catchy songs, all featuring guests. All four songs move quickly, nothing drags. Each track contains a couple strong ideas (with great arrangements and production) that are elaborated upon, stated a couple times, and then it’s done. South Hill Experiment know what they’re doing, they know their strengths, and they exercise a lot of control and confidence through these four tracks.
There’s a real laidback poppiness to these songs, and “Bonita,” the first track on the EP, is a good example: guitar strums, phased drums, cool singing from one (both?) brothers. It reminds me of something like early Ratatat (or maybe a little like RJD2)—sharp melody, fun music, highly entertaining.
“Little Monk,” the lead single, is probably my favorite song on the EP. “Little Monk” starts off with a dizzying little piano riff and drumming from the great Karriem Riggins. It’s mostly piano and percussion, paired with some spectral vocals that sing, “Afraid to fall in love/all the same/It’s you I’m thinking of/Everyday.” It’s beautiful, a sweet and lovelorn tune.