The Solace Bros.
Discover EP (Watercloset Sound)

Everyone should support local bands, especially ones filled with kind-of-geeky-looking white males. They're the ones lugging their own equipment into the bar, the ones you see at their day jobs, probably desk jobs ÷ probably jobs that have to do with computers or insurance. Every band is started by people who want to play music. But local bands carry on even when the rewards aren't money or fame.

The fullness of the five songs on this exuberant little EP from Tucson's Solace Bros. speak loads about their enthusiasm for music ÷ the bands create a deceivingly large amount of sound for just three members. As for the songs themselves, think quirky vocals and catchy pop-melodies. Think bands like · well, just think Solace Bros., since it's somewhat difficult to pinpoint just where their sound takes its lead from.

The first song is a good introduction to their sound, but the last two are what really pin down the band's identity for the listener. The slower-paced "Feel the Love" hits the lilting alt-country pause the listener needs right before the record's rave-up, "2000 Miles." The only problem is that singer Ezra Daniels' vocals can sound a bit forced at times. The songs seem to cry out for less grit and growl and more spontaneity. But Daniels' melody-driven keyboard work is really what drives most of these songs.

"Discover" is produced by local Jim Waters who is ÷ make no mistake ÷ not so much a producer of local bands as a producer of big bands that just happen to live in Tucson. Some of his other production credits include Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Sonic Youth.

The EP's notes say the band has over 25 original songs and two EPs out. Even having never seen the band live, "Discover" seems to do exactly what it was meant to- make the listener want to hear more.