EP: Local Safari ARTIST: Mako Road
It's officially summer tomorrow which means lazy days, longer nights and a whole lotta good vibes - and one group who'll get you ready to roll for the warmer months are Kiwi quartet Mako Road and their brand new EP 'Local Safari'.
Calling to mind the carefree reggae-tinged bliss of Ocean Alley and Bootleg Rascal, Mako Road go easy on the ears and heavy on the charm, bringing to life a lush and well-paced outing across the space of five tracks.
OPEN PLAN LIVING (MAKO ROAD)
Opening with the titular track, we're introduced immediately to lightly toasted guitars, dreamy vocals and cheerful intermittent piano, before the more upbeat 'Open Plan Living' pumps up the summer fun with perky beats and drooling basslines.
Tracks like 'Lady' and 'Be The Same' take a smoother route, kicking back in a sonic hammock with floaty melodies, perfectly complementing the bubbly indie pop warmth cultivated by Mako Road throughout the EP.
There's an overall rawness behind the vibrant tones, creamy harmonies and cheerful riffs which avoids the lads slipping into pleasant mediocrity, aptly balancing the chill with some standout instrumental moments, as vocalist Rhian Ward elaborates:
"The ‘Local Safari’ EP was written with more focus on where we want to go with our live sound. ‘Happiness & Misery’ and ‘Open Plan Living’ are a step in a different direction, we wanted to show off what we can do musically. CJ’s bass fills and slap bass feature in this EP and Connor brings more developed effects and variety in his lead guitar.”
All up, 'Local Safari' is a pretty dreamy delight for those who like their indie with a balmy twist, and as an extra bonus the Mako Road gents will be hitting our shores starting next week to celebrate the release.
'LOCAL SAFARI' IS OUT EVERYWHERE FRIDAY NOVEMBER 30TH, WITH THE BOYS KICKING OFF THEIR AUSSIE TOUR STARTING FRIDAY 7TH DECEMBER. FOR TOUR INFO AND MORE, HEAD TO:
BY TIANA SPETER