Xanny Stars Adaptor EP
Cleveland’s XANNY STARS are out with a new four-song EP, and it rules. Pop punk that is as saccharine as it is sour; happy, bouncy, melancholic, and dark. They’ve been at it since 2019, with two LPs and some singles in their wake, and this EP demonstrates a unified sound—I hope they’re just getting started. Opener “Green Sugar” exemplifies their self-description of “The Land’s most anxious band,” with the line “I want it / But I can’t have it / Cause when I have it / It becomes a habit” repeated throughout. Second track “Mega Convenient” has a fun music video to accompany it, with the band dressed as different acts you might see on a public broadcast channel, and is probably the most lighthearted of the group. Third up, “Here We Go Again” takes the cake for the catchiest, mixing a pop beat, killer drawn-out vocals, and a downcast energy that is perfect for any moody teen (or anyone who has been one). Ender “Symmetry” packs the biggest punch, with “You are so / Predictable” shouted on repeat until the song fades out. The production is clean, but not so polished as to remove all the grit. I think fans of RIBBON STAGE would really like this. Relieve your anxiety and buy this EP.