The Walters • Young Men EP

Chicago quintet The Walters quickly grabbed my attention at the end of 2014 with their debut EP Songs for Dads. All six songs kept me warm through the winter and well into the spring. With a few loose singles here and there, the talented group that intertwines comedy and novelty with honesty and love came correct their second time around with their sophomore offering EP, Young Men. 

At seven songs in length, it is yet another fine look at a group of young men (har har) doing their best to take over the rock scene both within Chicago and beyond. Sounding like Dr. Dog at the beach, this album is a bit more tropical and breezy than their last effort. Emotional love songs are still at the core of this band, but they're branching out of bedroom pop and into the world of surf rock and vintage rock 'n' roll. With a hilarious cover of the group in turtlenecks holding an obnoxiously large blank check, it's obvious that they're constantly smirking through this ride of theirs. But rather than appearing foolish, it makes them all the more sincere and genuine. Weezer are a bunch of goofballs. JEFF the Brotherhood are a bunch of goofballs. Their friends Summer Salt are a bunch of goofballs. The aesthetic makes sense and for The Walters, it works. It's no wonder that their live shows are a blast. 

Songs like "Sweet Marie" and "Cottage Roads" are stunningly beautiful on their Young Men EP, which sounds like a bedtime lullaby in a swaying hammock, like a bright colored drink that refills on its own. Lead singer Luke Olson is a lovestruck dreamer and the songs reflect that constant lust for a growing and blooming heart. Take this EP with you into the cold of winter and find yourself stronger and more affectionate come springtime.