Fayetteville, Arkansas based band Olympics deliver bigtime on their self titled debut E.P. The groups combination of lush atmospherics and blissful melodies create a blend that falls somewhere between shoegaze, post punk and dream pop and it all sounds absolutely brilliant.
Opening number “Another Night” harnesses a vibrant energy with it’s lush synths and intoxicating rhythm. It’s thunderous bass line and captivating vocals put everything over the top and bring the song to “Anthem-like” levels.
The intricate guitar work and lulling vocal delivery featured on songs like “Apart” and “Wander” channel elements of classic bands like The Stone Roses, Joy Division and The Cocteau Twins while the rich soothing presence of “Away” showcases the bands ability to take the tempo down a few BPM and lock into a breathtakingly beautiful cosmic groove.
Meanwhile “Rose Garden” captures a darker, more mysterious side of the bands sound. It might be my favorite track on the album as the arrangements and instrumentation is undeniably top of the line.
Everything comes to a close with the speedy paced “By The Wire” which is another standout track. It’s clear the band have found their sound and mesh together perfectly as musicians and songwriters.
Overall this is an outstanding debut that’s just the right length to draw you in and leave you wanting more.
Have a listen to “Another Night” below and get the full E.P. here.
