Based in Brooklyn, USA, Awksymoron are debuting on our blog with their new six-track EP, Ollie.

By Graeme Smith

Reflecting on some of life’s most important aspects, such as joy, grief, family and friendship, Ollie is quite the introduction to the band.

It opens with the gentle and nuanced All Bets Are Off which at once invokes the melancholic Midwest sound of early Rilo Kiley. Also in the ear are contemporaries like Clairo and Soccer Mommy, pushed through the band’s own unique, indie pop lens. While the instrumental is wonderfully rich, it’s Anthena Matsil’s vocal that really makes it. Her voice is beautifully compelling.

Outside Looking In provides a slower, dreamier moment while Confidence gives us some bittersweet reflection. Something New stirs with swelling strings and a devastating delicateness. A marching beats contrasts nicely with its crystalline layers. Skipper has a swaying beat and plenty of rawness in its instrumental. The chorus punches pleasantly. Bring Me Back closes the EP softly.

There’s a sweetness to Awksymoron’s new EP that made me certain that I wanted to share it. It’s simply sublime.

Ollie is out now, available to buy as a digital album on Bandcamp. You can give it a listen below.