The Exeter Popes: Snow, Mountain, Geisha

The second EP from Brooklyn, Nw York’s the Exeter Popes is a study in maximizing opportunities. Though Snow, Mountain, Geisha clocks in at just over thirteen minutes, the band shows a great amount of wherewithal, mining and exploring a wealth of inspired sound in such a short period of time. Additionally, the five songs included on the EP are rather minimalist in arrangement and structure, yet achieve a hazy, dreamlike brand of guitar pop likely to resonate with those who enjoy the band’s influences (The Smiths, Cocteau Twins, and Clientele are among those listed), as well as modern members of the lo-fi, indie rock camp. Indeed the band’s sound harkens back to more thoughtful, literary bands who found an audience amidst the melodic frenzy of the New Wave era. Tracks like “Bombs…Bombs…Bombs” and “50 Days” display focused interplay between instruments and showcase Stephen Lipuma’s vocal presence. “Fair Weathered Friend”, a gentle acoustic march, closes the record and displays another dimension to the group’s sound. The Exeter Popes are a fresh and welcome face on the indie landscape, and the prospect of seeing their potential extended to a full-length release is intriguing.