Continuing the eclectic thread that stitched together 2008’s
Such Fun, this EP tackles multiple styles over the course of 19 minutes. Leadoff track “Loxtep” is a gearhead’s paradise, filled to the brim with whizzing computer noises, Latin rhythms, post-production studio effects, and toots from every instrument imaginable, while the title track finds an unlikely balance between tropicalia and Ibiza club music.
Sweet Sister concludes with two country-tinged tracks -- including a cover of
Johnny Cash’s 1970 hit “Flesh & Blood” -- but even those feature some surprise additions, from the polyrhythmic percussion and DJ squiggles of “Holler and Howl” to the twinkling indie pop polish that coats the
Cash tune. Produced by the band itself, these songs help bridge the gap between
Annuals’ two full-length albums, taking their wild eclecticism from
Be He Me but keeping the melodies that anchored
Such Fun. ~ Andrew Leahey