SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE MOLLIES – THE MOLLIES (EP)

THE MOLLIES
THE MOLLIES (EP)
GREEN STRIPE RECORDS

The Mollies is a band out of Toronto and is the brainchild of Jacob Schmor. The Mollies (EP) is their debut EP and it is quite good. They did release a single (“Downtown”) earlier this year, and it is curious that it is not included with this EP. This is hard-driving garage rock with a bit of a harder edge. The four songs are bursting with energy and full of excitement. There is even an instrumental (“Optimist”) that tips its hat to the wonderful instrumental combos of the 1960s. To these ears, although it is not retro, the rock world of the 1960s is certainly an influence on The Mollies.

The EP opens with “Take Five” which just bursts out of the speakers. “Take Five” sets the stage. The next three songs are going to follow, somewhat, in suit and this is a pure rock energy release. It is a great way to introduce the band. The drums in “Static” bring to mind “Come Together” by The Beatles, but that is where the similarity ends. “Static” is a borderline punk song. However, the guitar solo is very creative and very distinct. It has an interesting sound that holds the listener’s attention.

“Shame On You” channels a bit of The Kinks via Richard Hawley and it works. It is a terrific song and the perfect way to end the EP. The song draws to a close with the line, “I have nothing left to say”, and the song cuts to an end. It is a nice touch and a creative way to end the song and programme. Then, all too soon, the EP is over. The Mollies do not wear out their welcome. Three of the four songs all clock in under three minutes. It has the old sensibility of keeping the song short, saying what you need and getting out.

The Mollies (EP) is an interesting EP. The songs are all melodic and well structured. They are well played and well recorded. One can’t help but imagine some of the tracks in mono, as the songs do have an older feel to them. This is not taking anything away from the music. The Mollies are creating new rock songs using the classic formulas and it works. It is a great four-track EP that does keep the listener wanting more.

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