Efren: Always Been A Bleeder

Efren
Always Been A Bleeder [EP]
Slo Pro Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Efren is a psychedelic folk group from Athens, GA that has just released their five song EP, which has a lo-fi brooding undertone that lets each track evolve and smolder its way to conclusion. It is an interesting mix because even though the vocals are somewhat muffled and the music is somewhat in the background, Always Been A Bleeder contains plenty of upbeat tempo numbers like the foot tapper "Potholes" and the opening track "Stay High". Each track contains likable lush harmonies that make them memorable and showcases a swagger where the band doesn't try hard to be good but still comes off as calm, cool and collected. This EP also has something else going on, as each track gets progressively longer. Track one runs under three minutes and finds each successive song incrementally increasing all the way to the epic closer "Rapids", which hits just over the nine minute mark. You find the band expanding and "playing" more on each recording. This provides a highlighted range for Efren that should translate into great things for their sophomore record as this EP paves the way!

Key Track: "Stay High"

Band With Similar Fire: Bon Iver

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-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony