Charmparticles begin this six-song EP with “Sixty-Four” that is a cross between Oasis and the Cranberries. Bassist Pamela Rooney has lead vocals on the song with its majestic and sweeping string additions. This leads smoothly into “Stand Up for Leaving,” which is fuelled more by the guitar of co-lead vocalist Adam Wayne. The song is deliberate but quite catchy in the vein of a lightweight Placebo. The proverbial air is taken out of the album briefly during a melancholic and slow-building “A/O” as Rooney brings Thom Yorke to mind. The payoff is another crescendo of guitars underneath the singing, making it slowly soar into an arena rock anthem. This zenith results in “Gas Gauge” leaving something to be desired despite still being a rather strong tune. But the gorgeous alt rock panache of “Solvent” again makes one long for the soundtrack to Empire Records. Concluding with the pretty “Phone and Finder,” this band can create charming, explosive and yet near-ethereal gems effortlessly. – Jason MacNeil
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