Listening to The Laurels’ first EP offering Mesozoic makes me seriously pissed off that I missed their EP launch tour.

The EP kicks off with “Black Cathedral” – a sexy tune with an even sexier bass line, grainy, gritty guitars, and a voice with the lightest of touches. The song feels like an escape, as you get lost in the sound.

I had severe issues trying to finish this review because I just wanted to put “What She Does To Me” on repeat. The dreamy melody of guitars, drums, symbols and tambourine combined with the lead singer’s effortlessly drawn out vocals make me want to write an awful pun. “What She Does To Me”, you do something to me.

“Merry Go Round” is reminiscent of shoegazer music with its spacey and reverbed sound. Though at time the track seems like it is droning on, it packs a punch when heavier drumming comes in and takes the forefront.

As the second half of the EP becomes more of a lighter tone, “Turn On Your Mind” and “Run For Cover” reinforce the reason why The Laurels’ sound works so well. The song follow the same pattern and structure of other songs, yet still manage to sound fresh and oh so good, with tripping guitars and sweet lullaby vocals.

Mesozoic finishes off with eight-and-three-quarter-minute epic “Until The End” which reverts back to intensity. The extended introduction of drowning guitars, subtle pinching harmonics and pounding drums is a smooth guide into heavier vocals that makes the track worth the listen.

The Laurels, why didn’t I find you sooner?

Review Score: 9/10