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I’m not a fan of reviewing EP’s.  They’re either from a band you’ll never hear from again or sampling of a new album from a star trying to build hype around their latest effort.  Then there is the fact that they are almost impossible to find in stores and how many people are going to purchase an EP from an artist they’ve never heard of online.  From time to time, there are a few EP’s worth tracking down and listening to.  Welcome to the first edition of EP Round-Up, a new feature on Pop Syndicate.  From time to time, we’ll review a handful of EP’s and tell you which you should seek out and which you should avoid.

Kerli – Kerli EP

American Idol isn’t the only place you can find up and coming musical talent.  The small town of Elva in Estonia has found a new young star that has the potential to be a break out talent.  Kerli was only 14 when she auditioned for Fizz Superstar 2002 making her one year too young.  She lied on her application and impressed the judges so much that they gave her a pass.  Three years later she would be heard by Island Def Jam Chairman L.A. Reid and be given a U.S. record deal.

Kerli’s first U.S. album will come out later this year but while we wait, you can pick up her self-titled EP.  It contains three songs off of the LP Love is Dead, two of which (“Love is Dead” and “Walking on Air”) can be found on her MySpace page.  The three songs collected here are a good example of what you’ll find on her debut effort.

Don’t expect a cute, teenie bopper sound from Kerli.  Her music is dark, edgy and melodic.  Voice sounds like a cross between Avril Lavigne and Dolores O’Riordan of the Cranberries.  “Love is Dead” explores the pain of heartbreak with a gritty, dark sound.  “Walking On Air” is a semi-autobiographical tale of a girl wishing to use her voice for a better life.  The final track “She’s In Parties”, a cover of a Bauhaus song, is edgy and chaotic with a bit of a throwback to 80’s new wave.

I look forward to hearing the full release of Love is Dead later this year.  Kerli show’s lots of promise and from the other songs on her MySpace page, if she can find an audience, she should be around for quite a while.

www.myspace.com/kerli

Rating: 4/5

Wild Sweet Orange – The Whale

If you had to guess where Wild Sweet Orange is from, Birmingham, Alabama wouldn’t be on your list. Don’t expect the next Leonard Skinard or Molly Hatchet. Fans of Modest Mouse and The Violent Femmes will enjoy the musical stylings of Preston Lovinggood, Matt Parsons, Taylor Shaw, Garrett Kelly and Chip Kilpatrick. The quintet brings their ‘A’ game to the party on their five song EP The Whale. 

Three of the songs from The Whale can be found on their MySpace account plus two additional tracks.  Their lead song, “Wrestle With God”, is a straight rock track about a Christian trying to come to terms with his religion.  Preston Lovinggood’s voice has an earnest, whine to it that brings to mind Oasis.  “Land of No Return” was featured on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy but don’t hold that against them.  The song is a laidback, somber song.  “Be Careful (What You Want)” and “I’m Coming Home” are the best two tracks on the EP.  Both offer up a folk-rock sound that is more rock than folk. 

Thankfully, Wild Sweet Orange isn’t another by the number emo rock band.  This Southern quintet brings something fresh to the rock landscape and it’s only a matter of time before they hit the big time.  Their debut album should be released later this year.  It’s high on my list of must listen too albums of 2008.  In the meantime, track down The Whale, you won’t be disappointed.

www.myspace.com/wildsweetorange

Rating: 4.5/5

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