I was upset when I heard that The Harlem Shakes had broken up. I thoroughly enjoyed "Technicolor Health".
They truly didn't get the recognition they deserved and their debut album was incredible.
But I'm more than a little surprised that Todd Goldstein wasn't featured a little more on the album. I mean, I know he was the guitarist after all, but his voice especially. Don't get me wrong, I love the uniqueness of Lexy Benaim's voice, but I was caught off guard at how great Goldstein's pipes are. On "Arms EP" his voice soars and dives, and before you know it, you are singing the tunes in your shower.
The project has been around since even before The Harlem Shakes, but before he did all of the instruments himself. Now that the Shakes are donezo, he got himself a full band, and really started to get his hands dirty.
One of the first things you notice is that Goldstein has a great mind when it comes to catchy music, and hooky songs. Songs that you can't get out of your head. But in this case, it isn't a bad thing. Not at all.
The EP starts off with "Floaters", which instantly caught my attention. The guitar - as to be expected - is wonderful. The chorus feels powerful while not feeling too overpowering. Goldstein sings \You're born under a bad sign\Just wait until your luck runs out\. The song has a sad, yet optimistic feel to it.
The next song, and my favorite off of the EP, is "Heat & Hot Water". It starts off dark and deep, and constantly builds. His voice bouncing and waving, Goldstein sings \Are you at peace\When you're feeding the beast\Wherever we go?\. This song, to me at least, is the catchiest of the album. Even after just one listen, you find yourself humming the chorus for the rest of the day.
Overall I would say I enjoyed "Arms EP" more than I enjoyed The Harlem Shakes "Technicolor Health". Every song on the EP is absolutely wonderful. You could listen to it over and over again and still enjoy the ins and outs of every song. But we'll have to wait and see until the Arms full album comes out. They are currently working on it and it is going to be called "Summer Skills". I cannot wait to see what it brings.
Oh yeah. The EP is FREE here.
