The Little Ones
Terry Tales and Fallen Gates EP (Branches Recording Collective)
By Daniela Garcia
Published: April 7th, 2008 | 3:15pm
The Little Ones have had a bit of a tough break lately. The band was handed a pink slip when their label, EMI, started downsizing and delayed the release of their first full-length album. Despite all this, the California quintet’s latest (and last-minute) EP, Terry Tales and Fallen Gates, is made up of short and cheerful tunes. This only goes to show that the Little Ones are still creating the brand of light-hearted indie rock they’re known for.
On their MySpace page, the Little Ones describe their sound as “tiki shacks, lobster, thought bubbles, winks, juggling, laughter, games of laser tag, chocolate, burritos and smiles,” which for this happy-go-lucky group, actually makes sense. Terry Tales, much like their first EP, 2006’s Sing Song (Astralwerks), is made up of giddy guitar pop, complete with tambourines and hand claps. Infectious and catchy, Terry Tales is a six-song collection that is just sweet enough to stomach.
Terry Tales begins with “Tallies,” which is reminiscent of ’60s pop laced with a harmonica playing in the background. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself tapping your foot along to the song’s merry pace.
Other tracks are decidedly influenced by their L.A. vibe, evoking the sounds and feel of a care-free, sunny day at the beach and rightfully so. “Boracay,” a fun and fresh song that uses the familiar (and tropical-sounding) Jamaican steel drum, shares its name with a tropical island near the Philippines. The last track, “New Branches,” initially leads you to think that they’re ending on a slow and mellow note before building up to the beat that resonates through the rest of the EP.
Lyrically, the Little Ones are not always exactly insightful but thankfully never become too superficial or nonsensical at any point. Songs like “Forgive Yourself” are made up of lines like “Forgive yourself for thinking you’re going to change / You love to be alone and afraid of being saved / Onto the next day, maybe you’ll get it right.” Much like their overall sound, the Little Ones seem to remain forever the optimist.
Hopefully Terry Tales serves as a sampling of things to come. If so, their full-length album, Morning Tide, also to be put out by Branches Recording Collective, may be released in time to add in some fun to your summer soundtrack.
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Issue #24
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