Judging by the hooks and energy that drive its five-song debut EP
Fading Days
, Federal Way, Washington's own
Amber Pacific
are a capable collective of
emo
,
pop
and
punk
enthusiasts. Working off of familiar references like
Taking Back Sunday
Jimmy Eat World
, lead-off track
"Always You"
has an irresistible charm akin to
the Jimmies
breakout smash
"The Middle."
Dashboard Confessional
comes to mind as the set-bowing
"Here We Stand"
unravels and it's a shimmering, acoustic number that sticks in your memory well after it culminates. But the songs are solid straight through, as the
Sunny Day Real Estate
-inspired
"The Last Time"
affirms, and although
AP
are still figuring out what they want to be musically, from a standpoint of energy and passion, this fivesome -- steered by a standout frontman named
Matt Young
-- has a very promising future. ~ John D. Luerssen