reviewed by Laura Stanley 

Like their name suggests, a stillness reigns over autumn still’s self-titled EP. The polyphonic murmurings from the Winnipeg band are calm and are neither rushed or have a clear objective in mind. They wander and wonder for long stretches of time, leaving you to do the same.

Clocking in at over five and a half minutes, “Long Terms” has the band moving through various sounding sections, each more urgent than the last. Consistently rooted in a pop mentality, the verses are light, vocals are nicely passed off between Bethany Swanson and Trevor Graumann, and the chorus, though simple, is autumn still at its most memorable. In the song’s final two minutes, Graumann transitions between a more gruff repetition of the line “this is what you call your leisure” and, revealing another side of the band, a surprisingly sizeable guitar solo that ends “Long Terms.” 

“Bartholomew” is a subdued song through and through. With Swanson taking over the majority of the vocal duties, “Bartholomew” is a soft collection of guitars and brightly hummed verses which really illustrate the EP’s search for tranquility.

autumn still perk up again in the EP’s final song, “Our Last.” Thanks to an upbeat piano part pushing the song forward and, despite the darker lyrics, (the line “waiting for something that will drag you down/you’re taken by the tide” sticks out) the EP’s final song is lively. Perhaps this last burst of energy symbolizes how difficult it is to actually become still. 

autumn still’s EP offer us three hushed and humble songs and the seeds for a promising upcoming full length record.

Top Track: “Long Terms”

Rating: Strong Hoot (Good)