via Interscope Records
Review by Bailey Garno
Just as pretty and unique as his debut single, BØRNS released his first EP alongside Interscope Records this past November 10th. Candy delivers four sweet tracks that showcase the supreme vocal and instrumental talent of show runner Garrett Borns. Here’s a review to give you a taste of what you’ll hear.
The first track starts the album out on the right note. BØRNS’ unique vocals drawl, “Candy, she’s sweet like candy in my veins,” giving a nod to the title of the EP and the intoxicating effect candy coursing through the body like a drug. “Electric Love,” like the other tracks off the EP, has deep, synthetic percussion elements that BØRNS’ voice soars over. With the LA-based singer’s higher range and the heavy bass instrumentals, Candy is very reminiscent of Haim’s Days Are Gone, a uniquely indie-pop-rock album indicative of the exciting shift alternative music has taken.
Following “Electric Love” is the already beloved and beachy “10,000 Emerald Pools.” Each song on the four-track EP is distinguishable from another but still clearly fits the signature BØRNS sound. The next track, for example, is still synth-driven but manages to sneak in an acoustic bit that shimmers like the surface of 10,000 pools. The word that comes to mind when listening is “mirage,” which I suppose makes sense given the blissfully breezy melody I mentioned earlier. “10,000 Emerald Pools” will be a favorite off the EP for sure.
Coming in with a contemporary take on the boy bands of the ‘60s, “Past Lives” is a groovy beat that will evoke the singing-into-a-hairbrush phenomenon. The chorus is particularly catchy, with a repetitive rhyme scheme that can be excused because we know from earlier tracks that BØRNS is by no means lyrically inept. Overall this happy, upbeat tune is my favorite on the EP.
Many times the final track off an album can feel a bit exhausted. This is not the case for Candy. To close out the successful new EP, BØRNS rushes into “Seeing Stars.” The track is a final energized punch that has the effect of moving everyone onto the dance floor. It will surely not disappoint.
So if you have a bit of a sweet tooth and you’re craving a new flavor, you need to listen to BØRNS’ debut EP, Candy, now! Available for download off of iTunes and for streaming on Spotify, have a listen and let us know what you think of this indelible treat.
Rating: 4.75/5
Recommended Tracks:
Seeing Stars
10,000 Emerald Pools
Filed under: Album Reviews, All Reviews Tagged: 10000 emerald pools, album review, borns, candy, garrett borns, interscope records
