for fans of RAC, St. Lucia, Arctic Monkeys

singles to download “Gold,” “Inferno,” “Leave You”

Arguably the most dangerous choice a new band with only an EP can make is to include the entirety of its EP on its debut album. By drastically reducing the amount of new content being released, the band risks leaving its fans apathetic and cynical to the band’s process. About the only way for fans to forget that they are only receiving seven songs instead of 12 is for the new seven to absolutely blow the old five out of the water. The last time a band was able to accomplish this insurmountable feat was Imagine Dragons with their debut “Night Visions,” but now the Vegas rockers have new company in their midst in the form of Los Angeles indie rock group, Sir Sly.

“You Haunt Me,” Sir Sly’s debut album, begins with all five of the band’s previously released songs: its single “You Haunt Me” and all four songs from “Gold EP.” For the uninitiated, these five songs introduce the ethereal synth and heavy bass lines that characterize the band’s sound. “Gold,” its most popular song, feels more like EDM than alternative rock while “Ghost” contrasts it perfectly with an eerie, waif-like sound reminiscent of the track’s name.

While all five opening tracks would be considered the highlights of any other album, Sir Sly is just warming up. “Inferno” brings a sense of driving urgency that resembles the Arctic Monkeys to the band’s usual wispy sound. Immediately following is “Leave You,” a continuation of the upbeat, catchy lyrics established in “Inferno.”

However, Sir Sly’s genius truly shines through in the last four songs of the album. “Floods” is a melodrama of sorts lamenting the fleeting nature of relationships (“What did I do wrong? / Doesn’t matter now you’re gone”), but it is contrasted perfectly by the funeral dirge opening of “Too Far Gone.” “Can we ever be too far gone?” is the hopeful call that emits from a voice tinged with sadness and cynicism but looking to the future.

Overall, Sir Sly’s debut is immensely impressive in that it was able to build beautifully upon an already flawless EP. The band’s sound can only be characterized as brilliant darkness. The catchy melodies and hooks can still be found, but its poignant lyrics and heavy bass transcend that of any current alternative rock group. “You Haunt Me” is by no means an easy listen, but the band blends its tracks seamlessly, creating an uninterrupted flow from beginning to end. For a debut produced entirely by the band itself, “You Haunt Me” is near perfect but also leaves so much room for Sir Sly to grow in the upcoming years. Will its reliance on occult themes prove to be its downfall? No one knows, but for now this dark and stormy band is thriving in the dark corners.