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Apr 22, 2014 Web Exclusive By Frank Valish

This Winston-Salem four piece has been cranking out laid back, lo-fi garage pop since forming at the end of 2012. After releasing a series of digital singles, all featuring black-and-white photographs of nude pin-up models as their covers (yes, this seems integral to the band’s image, a marketing strategy sure to lure the male demographic), the band has finally released its debut 7”. And it is a doozy. Pressed by Bleeding Gold Records on clear vinyl that glows a wonderful blue in the dark, the self-titled single is a perfect representation of what the band has worked for over the past year and a half.

“Coffee In the Morning” features a jaunty chiming guitar riff that’s almost reminiscent of a ‘60s girl group sound, played over lazy muddled vocals that sound like the singer needs, well, more coffee. “He Is My Neighbor” rounds out Side One with vocals more refreshed and staccato guitar that plays to hypnotic effect. Side B’s “Sister” features a nice ascending/descending bass line, and “Mr. Key” revisits the second track from the band’s “French Piggies/Mr. Key” digital single (the one with the naked lady in the cowboy hat, for those counting). The latter is a psychedelic romp with vague country tendencies that makes you want to bash out your own off-key solo in playing along.

It’s been too long since The Sweets released anything in hard copy format (the band’s cheekily-titled, 18-track cassette, Greatest Hits is alas out of print). So snatch up this 7” while you can, turn out the lights, watch the vinyl glow, and listen to the music do the same. (sweetstuff.bandcamp.com) (bleedinggold.com)