Animal Years

If you’re a fan of indie/folk/rock/americana bands like The Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, The Head and the Heart, and Vance Joy, you will definitely want to listen to Animal Year’s newly released EP Far From Home. At the end of the five song EP I was looking for more infectious songs featuring Animal Year’s distinct layered vocals, upbeat guitar melodies, and feel good lyrics.

Far From Home follows Animal Years’ debut album Sun Will Rise, released in 2014. On this EP, Animal Years has definitely honed in on their unique sound with more emotionally direct lyrics and a great acoustic guitar accompanied by heavy bass and drums - merging elements of folk and rock in a very harmonious fashion.

The “Brooklyn-by-way-of-Baltimore trio” has steadily been making a name for themselves, and fully plan to release more music and hit the road on tour in 2018. The trio consists of Mike McFadden (lead vocals, guitar), Anthony Saladino (bass), and Anthony Spinnato (drums).

Though the EP was only released at the end of October, the first song “Caroline” (also released as a single) has gained Animal Years a lot of attention - the song is slated to be featured in an upcoming episode of Shameless on Showtime. Very popular, I’ve already seen this song come up on my Spotify recommendations! It isn’t surprising, since the song is so infectious and upbeat. Personally my favorite off the EP, the acoustic guitar is catchy and the harmonies are uplifting.

Besides “Caroline,” “Friends” is also very catchy. Continuing the harmonies, great beat, and overall sound synonymous with Animal Years, “Friends” builds to a foot-tapping/head-bopping melody that I really enjoy. Given the lyrics and sound, when I listen to the song, I envision all of my friends getting together for the holidays and catching up on everyone’s lives. Sort of a theme song for this time of year, the fun rhythm facilitates old friends getting together and reminiscing about good memories.

“Give it Up,” “Corinth,” and “Home” round out the enjoyable Far From Home EP. There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Animal Years so far, and I believe they are definitely a band to watch as they continue to release good music and rock their live performances in 2018.

For more about Animal Years:
https://www.animalyearsmusic.com/

Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/AnimalYears/
https://twitter.com/AnimalYearsBand
https://www.instagram.com/animalyearsmusic/