Real Numbers - Only Two Can Play 12"

Real Numbers - Only Two Can Play 12", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Three Dimensional (2013)

A couple of years ago I wrote about a 7" by the band Real Numbers. I really enjoyed it, though truthfully I haven't listened to it all that much since then. I'm going to assume that write up was the reason that I was sent this 12". I don't get a lot of people mailing me records to review, so I always consider it a real treat when someone likes my silly website to send me something to listen to. It's even better when it's a band I already like.

As for this specific 12", I like it. It doesn't strike me the same way the 7" did, but over the course of the 6 songs on this EP, Real Numbers do crank out some real hits. In general, I wish the band had a little more oomph behind them, especially in the vocals which at times come off as being nasal and a bit disinterested. But when the band really gets cranking, they jangle-y guitars and great hooks definitely make up for this.

On the highlights of the EP "This Time He's Gone Too Far" and "Ordeal" is where the band shines, plying a craft that reminds me a lot of the more low key moments of bands like Cold Warps. If you like a clean, mod guitar sound with a retro vibe, this is a band that you'll want to check out.

Real Numbers - Only Two Can Play 12":
real-numbers.bandcamp.com/album/only-two-can-play