The Little Ones
Morning Tide
(Heavenly)
The unbridled optimism of this Californian five-piece is immediately striking. Jaunty, at times overly so, Morning Tide conjures the image of elves singing gaily while toiling in Santa's workshop in preparation for Christmas. Edward Nolan Reyes' vocals grin from ear to ear across gleeful chord changes. For some listeners this might be the slice of sunshine pop their lives require. Others may find that it veers too close to Sesame Street for comfort.
That's not to deny the musical diversity on offer here. The opening title track sets the optimistic tone with its seaside metaphors and images of the sun breaking through the clouds. Both Waltz and Farm Song tone down the Smurf day-camp vibe and mature into a grander proposition that evokes Mercury Rev's more majestic moments, particularly with Reyes' voice sometimes echoing the Rev's Jonathan Donahue's high pitches.
The Little Ones' website describes how the band came up with its own 'Rule of Feet. The rule stated that a song was deemed appropriate if, and only if each of the Little Ones' feet could shuffle. Once they adopted this new rule they began to realise what they had right in front of them.'