Music review: Smallpools EP

By Allison Christensen
Cardinal Staff

Quickly rising from the musical swarm of Los Angeles, the four-man indie pop group Smallpools is making their way around the world and into the ears of thousands.

Having just formed in early 2013, Smallpools has already toured across the U.S. with Australian band San Cisco, and are currently traveling through Europe with Two Door Cinema Club. The group includes Sean Scanlon (vocals/keyboard), Mike Kamerman (guitar), Joe Intile (bass guitar), and Beau Kuther (drums).

After their first single, “Dreaming,” rocketed to the top of Hype Machine and Sirius XM’s Alt Nation, Smallpools signed with RCA and released their self-titled EP in July. Lead singer Scanlon describes their musical style as, “The most interesting melody over the most feel-good chord progression possible.”

The EP features four vivacious, irresistibly catchy songs with enthusiastic lyrics. Every track sings of eternal youth and vitality. Sparkling guitar riffs, brilliant digital effects, and a beat that just won’t quit add to the fantasy. Their sound has been compared to Passion Pit, to which Scanlon responds, “It is flattering because they are in a very good position, but I think as more songs come out [Smallpools] is developing its own world and noise.” 

Drummer Kuther explains that the band intends to stick around: “I want to create a community of Smallpools enthusiasts that will stick with us for a long time and make this band a career band. We are striving for longevity, not a quick success.”