Pagodas is the artistic project of Sheffield-dwelling singer-songwriter Bryn Vincent, joined by Zoë Penny (who, we must say, contributes some lovely backing vocals throughout the course of this EP), Rory MacGregor, Ollie Clark, Alastair Gordon and Rhys Graham.
With a distinct slacker-leaning vibe on the opening title track, Bean Burger gets off to a lackadaisical start. In addition to the Pavement-esque wonkiness, there is just a peppering of grungey textures and an underlying shoegazey shimmer, and all in all, it makes for quite an intoxicating prospect. There is also a rather charming, naive aspect to proceedings that brings to mind our own Chicago-based songsmith Justin Sconza. The opening lines “everything was wrong and I was contemplating murder, didn’t feel myself until I cooked up a bean burger” is a good lyrical example of what we’re talking about. It’s almost twee in its sentiment and melodramatic earnestness. Combine that with the delivery style, and it all takes shape. There are moments when the music gets bigger, bolder, and more self-assured, but at times it almost verges on Belle & Sebastian territory, such are the levels of twee we’re dealing with here. It’s a hypnotic and unique blend of innocence and eccentricity.
This is followed by Sip it. With its slow-paced, almost sluggish pace, it brings to mind the work of Duluth slowcore legends Low. In time, it comes into its own, but only ever so slightly. The growth here is miniscule, almost imperceptible – you’ll ,miss it if you’re not paying attention – but it’s definitely there. The guitar in the background, which buzzes like a mosquito, and the cymbals that splash and spill everywhere – these elements blossom, awakening the listener from their musical stupor before receding again and lulling you gently back to sleep.
The final song on the EP is entitled The Pepper Crisis Is Over (it seems Bryn was hungry and/or thirsty whilst writing all three of these songs!) Part Brian Jonestown Massacre, part Camera Obscura and definitely indebted to 1960s garage rock and power pop, it is two and a half cute minutes of head-nodding, sing-along joy. Zoë Penny again makes a notable contribution, but this time, it’s her bass playing – and the way it works in conjunction with Rhys Graham’s drums – that particularly stands out.
Somewhat confusingly, their Bandcamp page states that the EP is due to be released in October later this year, but make no mistake, it’s streaming now! Fill your boots.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
