On first listen, the new Summers End E.P. by Carte Blanche didnt sound super-exciting to me, but now I think my mind must have been on Mars somewhere, because this a great release, especially the final few songs. The bands sound is very mellow in an acoustic lounge style thats similar to The Essex Green, The Shins, Ivy, or about a million other bands that I like. I dont really know what it is about sappy love lyrics and lazy vocals mixed with sparkling guitar that always seems to hook me in, but whatever it is, Carte Blanche can deliver what I like. What they lack in novelty, they certainly make up for in precision. There are lots of eerie echoes and strings that balance the album quite well. But lets start with the track that made me stop and take immediate notice, shall we? The fifth song Today Im Crying is just heavenly. There's some guitar that immediately connects to The Cure zone in my head, but hey, its not Robert Smiths voice this time, what a pleasant surprise. Instead weve got Richard Cranchs soft and warm voice carrying the song in a fresh direction. And then the song morphs smoothly into something like a somber James song. I dont want to overanalyze it anymore, but songs like this dont come around often, and Id suggest this track to anyone that doesn't absolutely hate all the previous bands I mentioned. The EP has seven songs on it, which makes it longer than most Weezer albums, so youre getting a good sampling of their sound here. A few tracks feature female lead vocals by Dana Kruse, and like any self-respecting lounge act, the duo combines their pretty voices in layers throughout almost every song. So, dont expect a style you haven't necessarily heard before when you check out Carte Blanche. Instead, just expect something a little better than what you are probably listening to right now.

From the very first moment I played this CD, I was left breathless! It's just so so so lovely. Carte Blanche is Richard Cranch and Dana Kruse, and after listening to this CD, I'd have to say those two are very, very much in love! This debut EP opens with the moody, atmospheric "I'll Take A Chance" which reminds me so much of the song "Saturday" from my beloved-Yo La Tengo's "And Then Nothing..." album, another band with a happy couple at the songwriting helm. The shimmery 70's-pop-sound of "Lucky" reminds me so much of Ivy, yet another fave band with two people in love! And Dana's sweet soaring vocals on "Everyone Around" remind me of Chimera. I don't think there was a couple in that band though. ;) Richard and Dana are both excellent musicians, the songs are gorgeously crafted, and they trade off lead vocals beautifully. It's so so so beautiful! One of my favorite things I've heard so far this year.

The Summer's End EP is a collection of love songs, but, it is by no means sappy or derivative. Carte Blanche, comprised of real-life couple Richard Cranch and Dana Kruse, is much more content to deal with love's more realistic side. Using a dreamy, lush pop formula, they compose pleasant tunes that deal with every detail of a romantic relationship, from the euphoric highs to the harrowing lows. So sure, this is a love record - but where's the harm in that? "Ill Take a Chance," arguably Summer's End's best moment, starts off the disc in fine form - its wonderful, breezy feel makes for an overwhelmingly beautiful listen. The dreary "Hymn" follows, but the next truly great song is "Don't Forget Love," a delicate, moving slice of cute acoustic pop - somewhat like a Yo La Tengo crossed with Mojave 3. The drastically emotional "Today I'm Crying" details romance's dark side, while the uplifting title-track closes the disc off in a lovely, Low mood. Summer's End is a warm, comforting EP with some really enjoyable, dreamy indie pop tunes. Love songs are nothing new, but truly excellent ones can never be resisted.