My Sad Captains - Ghost Song EP

But it is rather difficult to scoff at such delightfully breezy, summery songplay during the waning days of August, even if those songs aren't mind-blowingly original or unique, and don't really add to or amend any of the album's achievements.

While warm, acoustic guitars provide the centrepiece for the majority of the tracks, smatterings of synths and effects add plenty of texture to the bonus set. The proper album standout Ghost Song, which is the peppiest example of bedroom pop this release offers, has the confident yet unimposing swagger of a cuddlier version of Good News-era Modest Mouse. Meanwhile, the bobbing keyboards and strumming of Ebb And Flow make for a delightfully soothing bob down the river.

At worst, the melodies prove a bit sterile. While certainly verdant and definitely genial, the lack of interesting chordal progressions prevent Made Your Mark from leaving much of an impression, and Told You So from saying anything too interesting. The intro of the latter's similarity to that of The Shins' fantastic hit Phantom Limb further highlights the relative barrenness of the selection.

The price for the accessibility of their borrowed style is the inability to sound distinguished. Considering the material released to date, My Sad Captains have proven to be too busy being agreeable to be considered approaching anything groundbreaking. That's fine, though - some bands are meant to hone and perpetuate rather than tear down or trailblaze.

More frustrating a continuation from Here & Elsewhere, though, is the underwhelming lead vocals. While his lyrics are pleasingly introspective and thoughtful, Ed Wallis lacks the chops, and perhaps the confidence, to be triumphantly lifted by the lush melodies that support him.

Nevertheless, in the end, the six tracks (or four, depending on whether or not you'll allow iTunes to be your vendor) are satisfying and charming enough to merit attention.

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