There’s a lot of talk going on about this quartet from Atlanta, and it turns out they live up to the hype---and then some. If you didn’t know any better, you’d swear this group of good ol’ boys from Georgia hailed from the UK instead of the Peach State. Their songs evoke the smart Brit-pop sounds of groups like Travis, Coldplay, Radiohead, and Oasis, featuring thoughtful, emotive vocals and big, shimmering guitars.

In the past year, they’ve released two six song EPs, quickly garnering local and regional attention that hasn’t been seen since the days of R.E.M. Their first release, Under Starlight displays a strength of songwriting that is jarring in its maturity and marvelous structure. The sound here is amazing, and it’s hard to believe these guys produced this without the backing of a major label. Lead singer James Templeton’s melodies and harmonies lift and drift over darkly colored guitar lines, which in turn ride over a tight and driving rhythm section. It’s a great combination, and each part flows with fluid motion, working together as a whole.

The second disc continues this feel, yet with a slightly darker and more anxious edge than the first. The band seems to have settled nicely into a melancholy groove, slow burning with the angst of life’s confusion and lost love. The best track on both discs by far is the sad-eyed pop of Hide Your Love Away, which is reminiscent of The Beatles both in title and in spirit. While it isn’t a remake of the fab four tune’s namesake, it does have the infectious draw of a Lennon/McCartney composition---and what better compliment could you give a band?

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