Invincible
Invincible starts off the EP, and July For Kings makes it clear beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are still going strong. The track has a catchy rhythm and the Vertical Horizon meets Soundgarden approach really works wonders for this song and for the sound in general.
Blue Eyes
The build up in Blue Eyes is strong and makes for a great potential radio hit. The chorus is pure gold and while there aren’t too many memorable hooks in the song it still sticks in your head. Hedges’ strong vocals and the strong arrangement of the song give it a chance to impress.
Float Away
Float Away is one of those tracks that subtly sticks with you. The lyrics are phenomenal and the soulful and sentimental deliverance by the band is out of this world. The song builds up and it’s obvious how they’ve grown into a tight and mature collective. It’s obvious that Joe Hedges got an even better vocalist and the band really united in the rough times, but what a beautiful music it provides us with.
One By One
This song has to be a radio single. It’s catchy and filled with hooks and could be an instant classic. It also has that typical July For Kings sound going on that makes the band so special. It’s hard to describe, but if you are familiar with the band’s work you know what I mean. One By One is one of the band’s strongest signature songs.
Like That
On Like That we can hear a little bit of that underground sound that was omnipresent in the band’s early days. The angsty, anthemic sound that might have some U2 influences here and there adds to the general mood of the song and it provides the basis on which this song develops itself to another strong addition to this EP.
The Distance
The Distance is a guaranteed fan favorite with its references to older songs and albums and it’s great build up which makes it very suited for a live set. You’ll find yourself singing along to it pretty fast and though it might be a little slow for radio, it could even do quite well on the airwaves.
Just Right
July For Kings ends the EP with one of their best songs. Just Right is a song that everyone can relate to. Everyone wants things to be just right for once. That sentiment which Hedges describes in the lyrics is wonderfully put to music and the band convincingly delivers Just Right to end this magnificent EP.
While it’s not as heavy and underground as the band used to be in their previous incarnations and even on “Swim”, “Nostalgia” has a really cool vibe and shows the maturity of the band and gives more room for Hedges to take the stage and shine as the strong singer and songwriter that he is. “Nostalgia” is a good tribute to July for Kings, by July for Kings.
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