So Pretty

Album Review

Fusing the fundamentals of garage-pop with the sheen of 1980s New Wave, the Charms cook up a perky, organ-fueled brand of fun on the rollicking six-song EP So Pretty. Be it the punchy, sexed-up hooks of "The Wish Song" — which finds frontwoman Ellie Vee intoning lines like "I kiss so good, I wish I could show you" over a contagious beat — or the quirky title track — a B-52's-inspired tune about a two-night stand — this quintet is a sure bet. "Candy" finds Joe Wizda's declarative guitar riffs giving Kat Kina's farfisa fills a run for their money, but the urgent set-wrapping "Waiting for You" is easily the group's finest moment here, thanks to Vee's commanding vocals. When it's over-utilized, the organ does detract, turning "I Want You Back" into a bit of a clunker, but these Bostonians still come up winners on this predominantly enjoyable disc. ~ John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide