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Cloverleaf experimented like an adolescent with hairstyles on their first album, juking between acoustic, piano pop and some sort of avant-garde poetry recitation (which, for the record, was actually one of my favorite tracks). On this EP, the band finally finds its voice without cracking. A distinct style emerges where they've learned to play more sensitively with different emotions, instead of just different sounds. Of course, the band tosses this "sensitive" thing out the window in the humorously macho "The Spartan" or when they dog on your friend's girlfriend in "Dressed in Disguise." But solid, attentive songwriting shows that the band definitely treated this record like their baby.
Despite the varied musical tastes and backgrounds of the band members, what's most promising about Cloverleaf is their ability to continually progress and change in a way that refines their sound instead of confusing it. Their current state? Fiercely energetic, piano-driven rock, more frank than, say, The Hush Sound and more cutting than Something Corporate. Though the piano makes for the muscle of the tracks, skillful guitar solos smack like claws to the rhythm section's thump and roar. This isn't your parents' piano rock, nor is this the band that just lets the nerdy kid tag along with his keyboard so he can feel better about himself. This is modern, straightforward pop rock that balances catchy melodies with candid bite.
The band writes that this EP is their "best accomplishment," a dream recording. It is the product of frustration, collaboration, perfectionism, tenacity. With each member more comfortable to adventure in their respective instruments (particularly the vocals) and in songwriting, this EP says Cloverleaf has been dedicated to doing everything a band should do in two years: mature.