The Feelings Mutual is a power pop trio from San Diego, and having been together for less than a year at release time, this five-song self-titled EP is literally hot off the presses. But it surely does what every good EP does, which is to make you want at least five more songs. There are hints of quite a few things going on in the Feelings Mutuals’ songs, including garage rock (think The Strokes), ‘90’s alt-pop (think Better Than Ezra), edgy pop (think Butch Walker) and active rock radio fare (think Breaking Benjamin). But what’s most impressive is that these three dudes somehow tie all that together in a way that, while obviously unique, is still quite palatable. Once you stop trying to figure out how they do it, and just listen, the answer is simple — this is a damn good band. Blazing rocker “Monolith” and rock anthem “Ring Me Out” are the standouts on a fine debut. Now let’s hope the Feelings Mutual gets in a van, tours, lives some life, and makes some more music. (Ares Records)
