The Griswolds – Heart of a Lion EP

Artist: The Griswolds
Album: Heart of a Lion
Label: Wind Up Records
Release Date: September 3, 2013

Indie-pop group, The Griswolds, formed back in February of 2012 when members, Christopher Whitehall, Daniel Duque-Perez, Tim John, Chris Riley, and Robbie, began electrifying stages in Sydney, Australia. The band’s debut EP, Heart of a Lion, is a shimmering four-song collection of tropical inspired indie-pop numbers.

The opening track of the album, “Heart of a Lion”, begins with twelve seconds of drum stick clacks and steady beats, leading into an instant head swaying rythym of quick licked lyrics and “woah’s”. The compelling song’s indie-tropical flare showcases the talent and fun essentialized in The Griswolds, and also creates an accurate introduction for the remainder of the album. Following as track number two on the debut EP, is “Mississippi”, an almost perfect fusion of indie-techno, tropical flare, and romance. The track includes electronic sounds accompanied by charming lyrics and extended notes, creating a day-dream experience of floating down a river in the middle of an exotic forest.

“The Courtship of Summer Preasley” further continues the mystically tropical essence of the EP. With an unavoidably catchy and pleasantly vulgar chorus, the track is instantly appealing. Added to that, steady percussion arrangements and piercing keyboard sounds make the track a uniquely pleasant experience. Closing out the EP is “Red Tuxedo”, a charming tune full of slow progressions and nostalgia. The tune is light with high notes, wispy chants, and guitar strums creating a soft, yet powerful ending for this unique and colorful EP.

Reviewed by Ariana Hernandez