EP Stream:

Pictures of Vernon

“Pictures of Vernon”

(GFP Premiere)

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introduction by ben tipple

There’s something beautifully nostalgic in the opening moments of North Carolina trio Pictures of Vernon’s self-titled EP. “Mr. Alwaysright” opens with minimalist guitars, gently plucked under strong vocals that recall a heyday of emo. As the five tracks unfold, it’s clear that these guys have an unashamed love of that era.

That’s not to say this is a trip down trite lane. The nods to days gone by are there, but don’t dominate. “Public School” turns up the urgency. “This is Water” sways from stripped back beauty to complex yet upbeat melodies. For the most part, Pictures of Vernon blend math and emo with a juxtaposing party vibe; it’s danceable and sad, all at once.

That’s where they differ. Pictures of Vernon takes the sadness from their earlier counterparts and turns it into something uplifting. Back on “Mr. Alwaysright”, they tell tales of a broken upbringing and their positive release from it all. The EP travels the same path.

You can stream Pictures of Vernon now in full right now:

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“Pictures of Vernon” is out May 5, via Counter Intuitive Records

Pre-order it here

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