Sing Song

Album Review

The magical indie pop of Sing Song is a delightful introduction to the Little Ones. The California collective joins David Newton of the Mighty Lemon Drops to co-produce the EP, and songs such as the handclap-happy "Let Them Ring the Bells" and jamboree-like "Cha Cha Cha" showcase the band's long suit of simplicity. "Hey MJ!" recalls the chiming guitars of the Trash Can Sinatras' "Killing the Cabinet" for another EP standout. While they don't venture too far away from the common text of indie rock, the Little Ones are onto something good here. It's their good-natured modesty in song and earnest efforts in craft that make Sing Song the hidden treasure that it is, and those who worship Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the Shins, Arcade Fire, and Neutral Milk Hotel should embrace these six lovely tidings. The jaunty guitar-driven "Heavy Heart Brigade" says it all: "We sought our future in rock & roll/Now we are locked outside its door/Are we ever gonna figure it out?" The Little Ones have pledged their hearts to making some quality music, so they've figured something out. Thank goodness for that. [This version of Sing Song includes the bonus track "Face the Facts."]