Southampton surf pop outfit Wild Smiles released their eponymous debut EP as the last wisps of summer 2012’s BBQ smoke faded into the ether. A flawed but fun record that didn’t quite manage to avoid the myriad pitfalls associated with making music in a garden shed – namely the constriction of their beautifully tranquil melodies in the claustrophobic surroundings.
Nonetheless we’re delighted that two of the EP’s standout tracks ‘Tangled Hair’ – along with ‘Sweet Sixteen’ – have been harvested by Portishead man Geoff Barrow for release on his Invada label in March. Wild Smiles are big on fuzz infused pop riffs and ‘Tangled Hair’ is no exception with its bold, breezy Beach Boys influence proudly displayed.
When the trio allow their wistful guitar sequences and shimmering cymbal washes to meld together in tandem like this; you can’t deny they’ve got the vibes and the aesthetic to become a very potent force indeed. The nostalgic video for ‘Tangled Hair’ landed this morning and will have you pining for the summer sun to drench you in its rays after just a few frames.
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