A powerful EP with its substance far deeper than what its four tracks belie. Each tune could be the basis for an entire album. The stylistic and atmospheric culmination of each song could be broken down into its constituent parts and reassembled in full to produce whole works of art. The opener ‘Death day (Sing To Me)’ gently nudges the door open into the world of First Day of Spring. A flickering beat accompanied by slow horns and keys paves the way for an atmospheric build. Stopping abruptly, the immediate commencement resumes with a light overlay of ghostly vocals before the track comes to a resounding end. The call and response, male and female commentary at the start of ‘Moon Boy’ which features snippets of the Charles Baudelaire poem ‘Be Drunk, gives way to soothing strings that are punctuated with sharp highlights. Paired with soft textures, a richness of both electronica and reverb blend effortlessly with the strings. The nursery rhythm xylophone of ‘Normal Person (Love You Forever)’ is met with a fuzz that is more of a fizzle. That fade of a relationship and a parting of ways. Perhaps as brief as the relationship, the track is short but resonates with one simple message, love you forever. On the other hand, ‘Operation’ bolts out of the gates and merges all aspects of electronica, synth and guitar into a strong fusion. Confident and flowing, the track exponentially builds with keys as the vocals keep pace in this fast-moving track.
6 / 10