Like whispers borne upon gentle zephyrs on a summer's afternoon, the indie-folk strains of Sydney five-piece Boats Of Berlin intrigue and satiate with their first EP, Theatres. Comprising a five-track list of tranquil melodies and placid harmonies, the record delivers a folk band with more to their name than a mouthful of alliteration.

Quaint chords and soft vocals make up the bulk of the record – not that 'bulk' is any a term to acquaint the EP with. Rather, the tracks exude weightlessness, seeming to effortlessly float on the periphery of aural pleasantry and majestic bliss. The first song "Peasants" opens with gentle harmonies and guitar strings before ethereal vocals chaperoned by a steady drumbeat lightly dust the track with a coating of sweetened delicacy.

And so, the EP progresses with the sweeping brevity of percussion and acoustic strums. "The Sun In The South" and "They Went Without Lamps" carry fine nuances of serenity. The title track delivers a carousel of changing melodies and instrumental arrangement, ending on crashing cymbals and pounding drums. Standout track "Alexandra & The Sea" aptly progresses the record with a quicker tempo, picking out dark guitar chords by the song's end for a cheeky gander at the shadier side of the quintet’s otherwise sunny disposition.

Theatres
is a commendable effort of blossoming delights, reminiscent of sweet summers, straw hats and savvy shoes dipped lightly into creeks of cool composure. It’s no wonder the boys require boats from Berlin to ferry listeners along the rivers of their evocative and sonically enchanting record.

Review score: 7/10