Sun Hits

Sun Hits is the perfect title for the new EP from The Don'ts And Be Carefuls. Each of its seven tracks are quick bursts of energy filled with hooks and catchy choruses and polished to a summertime sheen.

Things start off strong with the all-too-short "Defector," lead by synthesizer and drums that set the stage for the song's slightly melancholy lyrics. "Defector" is followed by the instant classic "So Money," a song previously heard on this summer's Hot Congress comp. The song is still as fresh and fun as it was when it was first released—energetic as hell and one of the catchiest songs on the whole EP.

The energy level stays up on "The Still Favorites" before the title track comes in and steals the whole show. "Sun Hits" shows that there is more to The Don'ts And Be Carefuls than just good toe-tapping pop songs. The lyrics and music come together in a wonderful marriage to create a great tune that could draw favorable comparisons to mustachioed indie rockers Local Natives.

The album does stumble with the next couple of tracks, "Replaced" and "Last Show." Redemption comes in the form of the closer "Old Heart Young Heart," a solid, danceable track to finish off an album that has the breezy tone of summer, but with enough substance and style that it should be able to hold up just fine in the dead of winter, too.