Charm Bracelet is proof that musicians still use Craigslist to get together and jam, but even more so, that good musicians are still on Craigslist—at least in the Brooklyn neighborhood where the six-piece alt-rock band formed. The aptly named “Your Ad Here” kicks off the new EP, Tepid Sun, with an upbeat, energetic tune built on light guitars and a groovy standout bassline. Midway through, the group shifts pace and kicks things into overdrive, keeping listeners engaged with diverse fills.
“Dear Lenù”, the second song on Tepid Sun, tells the all-too-familiar tale of friends losing contact, a coming-of-age vignette for those in their late 20s and early 30s. Like “Your Ad Here”, it varies stylistically within itself while sounding less busy than the opening track—a reminder of when the group is at their best. Its intro verse recalls the guitar-rock quartet Mourn before it fades into a hook that spills into delicate vocal harmonies that haunt with subtle lyricism.
The EP closes out with the upbeat title track, a slice-of-life anthem that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Still, it excels at playfully hinting at the trivial parts of modern life, with the spoken-word chorus repeating “ice in my cheap wine, mail in a dust pile, third page of that book I open once in a while” in the style of Beach Fossils.
Tepid Sun is a strong debut, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s exceedingly energizing. The songs feel relatable, lively, and complete. It’s no doubt a promising release that is sure to attract listeners of guitar-driven indie alt-rock.
Written by C.S. Comfort
