You Never Know is the first track on this self-titled EP, and what issues forth is an energetic blend of rock styles. Hints of Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, and the psychedelic rock of the sixties can be heard from the onset. The guitars and drums push the vocals to the next plateau; sMALLTIME is an act that makes a big splash on this EP. The back and forth of the chorus keeps fans at the edges of their seats until the track’s end. Dead On Arrival continues this trend, laying out a Ted Nugent meets ZZ Top style of rock. Along the way, sMALLTIME’s vocals keep things fresh and current.
The message that tracks like Dead On Arrival hoist onto sMALLTIME’s fans is considerable; this version of praise music is perfect for individuals that may not like the typical approach that Christian rock bands take. Fish Out of Water is the middle of this EP, and adds just enough spice into the mix. With hints of Tom Petty and Queensryche added to this mix, the high momentum that hit fans at the onset of this EP is ratcheted up that much further.
Saving Souls is the final track on this EP, and sMALLTIME is able to create an absolutely intense ending to this title. With guitars and drums combining into something special, the exact point when the vocals kick in pushes the narrative quality of the track to the fore. I want to see how sMALLTIME sounds live; I feel that the energy that is present here would be multiplied considerably whenever one sees them in a live setting. Buy a copy of this EP and see exactly where the band goes from here.
Top Tracks: You Never Know, Fish Out Of Water
Rating: 8.7/10
sMALLTIME – S/T (CD) / 2012 Self / 5 Tracks /