ep review: weird season, major leagues
Weird Season is the debut EP from Brisbane four-piece Major Leagues, a shoegaze/dream-pop band relatively new on the music scene. This EP doesn’t sound like a debut release though, instead sounding like an offering from a seasoned band. Opening with the fuzzy guitar and sweet vocals of ‘Silver Tides’, you’re immediately drawn into the nostalgic feeling of the record. The bittersweet chorus echoes ‘you look like someone else I know’, and is instantly catchy.
‘Endless Drain’ inspires dancing through the driving snare hits and snaking guitar melody. It’s the subtle changes that make this song so amazing, like the added hi-hats just before the chorus, which build a quick tension that is released in the chorus . It’s the kind of ironic summer anthem that we’re familiar with thanks to early 90s acts such as the Breeders. Out of the whole EP, the melancholy ‘Feel’ and ‘Teen Mums’ have the stronger shoegaze influences. Breathy vocals and textured guitars show a softer side to the band.
Closing track ‘Creeper’ ends the EP on a high note. It’s arguably the catchiest, most lively song on the album, and leaves you wanting to hit repeat before the song is even done. With hints of punk and slightly harsher vocals, the whole song is beautifully nostalgic. Perhaps some of the charm of Weird Season comes from it being so relatable. I’m a sucker for twenty-something year old women who love music and are equally as apathetic as I am. ‘Hanging around my parents house/I’m bored as hell’ from ‘Creeper’ resonates strongly and is reminiscent of summers spend lazing around waiting for something to happen.
Weird Season is perfectly paced, and packs enough to keep you coming back for more. Each song is memorable in its own right, without relying on cheap and quick guitar hooks or chanty choruses. Major Leagues have put together five original, diverse, and well-crafted pop songs and I certainly can’t wait to hear more from them.
Major Leagues are heading out on a national tour next month, tickets available from Oztix or the venue:
Thursday 6 February – The Den, Wollongong
Friday 7 February – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
Saturday 8 February – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
Saturday 15 February – The Workers Club, Melbourne
Thursday 20 February – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
Friday 21 February – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
Saturday 22 February – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
Thursday 27 February – Newport, Freemantle
Friday 28 February – Princes of Wales, Bunbury
Saturday 1 March – Amplifier, Perth
