Capital Cities fans should be happy to hear from the duo comprising the group, Sebu Simonian and Ryan Merchant, as the last time we heard from them was back in 2013 with A Tidal Wave of Mystery. There may be a little bit of disappointment in that Swimming Pool Summer is only a four-song EP (five if you count the remix), as opposed to a brand new second album. I don’t think fans should be too sad, though, as this EP has a lot of Capital Cities’ old style (at least the opening track) and some catchy summer tunes.

“Swimming Pool Summer” starts off this EP – it is repetitive in nature, but in the best possible way. With the harmonized vocals and a wide array of synth, trumpet, and string instruments bringing many different levels to the mix, this is easily the best track on the album.

“Drop everything” is the second song on this album and amidst the other three songs, it’s less memorable and lacks the summer sultriness that “Swimming Pool Summer” possesses. “Drop everything” has a bit more of a house music vibe and couldn’t hold its own in comparison to a catchy summer track that it followed.

“Girl Friday” is a little off from the duo’s normal style, as not only does this song feature the rapper Rick Ross (unlike their first album that featured a sublimely better artist in Andre 3000), but it is confused by a chill vibe, poppy repetitiveness and an awkward rap by Ross – who is normally a lot smoother in nature. Merchant and Simonian repeat ‘She’s my Girl Friday’ over and over in the chorus until it becomes obnoxious.

“Drifting” is actually my favorite track on the EP. It veers away from the other styles of the album and feels a little more electronic, but somehow more complex and musical. It brings the EP to “a drifting close” in a manner that is not only fitting of the album, but in a literal way – it fades you out properly.

I am excited to see what this duo comes up with next. Until then, enjoy these tracks at the beach, during the dog days of summer.

The post Capital Cities “Swimming Pool Summer” EP review appeared first on Quip Magazine.

The matching embroidered jackets, the bright lights, the contagiously energetic trumpet player, and the in-perfect-tune vocals were just the beginning. There is something in a small way magical about hearing two voices that are that much alike. Quite frankly, Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian finding each other was a gift to pop culture.

“Maybe it’s time that you see us dance a little.” And dance they did, along with the entire audience clapping, spinning and singing, while one by one, everyone’s plus-ones were converted to fans.

A bold statement it might be, but from original songs to retro covers, Capital Cities’s well-rehearsed and curated performance is eye (and ear) candy that cannot be missed.

The post Singing and dancing: Capital Cities live at the MOD Club appeared first on Quip Magazine.

To get you closer to experiencing this show we are giving away a pair of tickets for May 13th concert in Toronto, but be ready, this is an evening where you will be expected to dance.

How to win: Tweet @QuipMag that you want to see the show, mention “@capitalcities @livenationon #CCTO” in your tweet and make sure to follow @QuipMag on Twitter.

If you are not on Twitter simply comment on this post telling us that you’d like to see the show and please use your real email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner.

We will pick one random lucky winner from all submissions and contact them in an appropriate manner.

Other important stuff: Contest is running starting Saturday, May 4 at 10am and ending on Wednesday, May 9 2013 at 10pm ET. Winners will need to be able to show photo ID at will call to pick up their tickets. One entry per person. The contest is open to all residents of Canada excluding Quebec, please read full Rules and Regulations. Must be 19 years of age or older at the time of entry.

Show details:
Virgin Mobile MOD Club
722 College St  Toronto, ON M6G 1C5
Monday, May 13, 2013 07:00 PM
To just get tickets now, go to TicketWeb

The post Win tickets to see Capital Cities at the MOD Club appeared first on Quip Magazine.