EP Review: Bandaids and Lipstick

Much like their contemporaries Six60, Summer Thieves started from humble beginnings in Dunedin many moons ago. Starting as a high school band of sorts, Jake and Johnny have been jamming together since the ripe age of 15.

Fast forward to 2011 and the lads have joined forces with Adam Spencer to form Summer Thieves.

Bandaids and Lipstick kicks off with All I Want; an anthemic track which the commercial radio stations are sure to lap up.

2017’s Warped album produced by Tiki Taane had more a reggae roots vibe coursing through its veins, whereas this offering goes for the pop jugular. These new tracks follow in the path of popular hit Love Is Lost from Warped. Bandaids and Lipstick is very nicely produced by Alex Wildwood (Sachi, The Veronicas, Broods) and he was a key influence with the bands heavier pop direction that’s prevalent throughout this EP.

Get Away is another big Summer pop anthem with a chorus which I’m sure Imagine Dragons would love to poach from the lads. Their latest single Ocean Baby is the closest song to resemble their past roots sound, with its acoustic and electric reggae soul buzz.

The EP closer Rey Mysterio kicks off with rocking guitars before hitting a chopped up skank in the verses; a stand out track for me in this impressive EP, and surprisingly an independent release - it won’t be long before the major labels come knocking at their door. A solid effort by these rising stars, look out for these tunes hitting your local airwaves soon.