Flyying Colours - EPX2 (2015)

Australian shoegaze revivalists Flyying Colours arrived in 2014 fully formed; their self-titled debut EP sports songs with tightly interlocked guitars and vocal harmonies, a propulsive rhythm section, and huge hooks that bands like Ride and Chapterhouse could have used more of back in the old days. Any OG shoegaze band would have sold its pedalboard for a song as good as "Wavygravy." The group's second EP, 2015's ROYGBIV, provided the same kind of laid-back thrills, adding a little bit of Madchester dance groove on "Not Today" while also dropping in another classic bit of retro gaze songcraft, "Running Late," that would have had Moose checking their studio for leaks. Both EPs show that Flyying Colours have a firm grasp on the sound they are reviving, and the easy, breezy charm of the writing and playing is the additional piece that helps them rise above the level of mere copycats. This collection pulls together all the songs from their two EPs to date, and provides a nice one-stop shopping experience. Those who consider themselves fans of shoegaze or dream pop and don't already have both EPs really should consider purchasing EPX2 and adding some Flyying Colours to their collections.