I’m a fan of the EP release prior to the LP arriving. These days, it seems every band with the ability to piece together simple songs churns out an often ill-fated album with one, maybe two decent tracks. And don’t even get me started on those bands that put out ‘Best Of’ albums after two or three discs. That sort of narcissism is just uncalled for.  Well, I’m pleased to say that Oxford quartet Fixers are doing it right. A precursor to a forthcoming LP later this year, the quartet’s EP is a perfect summertime listen, almost like a weirded-out version of The Beach Boys.

This EP is quick listen that is as colorful in sound as the cover art. Fixers don’t waste anytime getting right into their wild, rowdy brand of pop rock and ‘60s influenced jams. Opener “Another Lost Apache,” a youthful blast with vocal effects, leads right into “Crystals” – a tune packed full of whacked-out guitar work and frontman Jack Goldstein’s almost cartoon-like vocals.  An instantly memorable, charged track, “Uriel” follows their similar atypical pop template but injects plenty of walls of synth amid the guitars, making an already energetic tune that much more animated. EP highlight “Passages/Love In Action/108” meshes a kaleidoscope of sounds, with plenty of reverb, dance beats, and lots of piano riffs. It is a collision of sounds and textures and illustrates how truly skilled these guys are.

On one hand, these guys have their pop aesthetics firmly based in the past. But on the other hand, they have an almost futuristic yet psychedelic approach to their art. It’s not hard to imagine “Pink Light” being played light years away, with a buzzing light show to accompany the sci-fi rock.

Imagine if Brian Wilson grew up listening to OK Go and you get some idea of where Fixers are coming from. If you ever wished a band like fun. had a bit more pep to them, this is a great fix. Coming in at just 20 minutes, this is a brief yet triumphant listen of charmingly odd tunes.

Rating: B+

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