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The folks from Chicago based indie band Arwin sent me their CD titled “Bright Outside” to review. Arwin is relatively new indie-pop band that looks to The Beatles and Radiohead for inspiriation. Their sound, however, is more comparable to Rilo Kiley and Nada Surf. I think that hints of early Death Cab for Cutie can also be found in their songs.

For their CD, it’s their first self released EP called Bright Outside (link to listen below), and it’s pretty decent for a first release. It’s nothing unpleasant by any means. I think Bright Outside is their best song on the EP, as it offers good orchestral sounds with pretty good vocals. Valerie, Bert, and Ernie is also pretty good, although it seems to be a bit slow and dragging at points. But overall, I am fairly impressed with those two songs offered on Bright Outside.

The EP also features “Meant to Be” which is a “driving sing-along,” that shows a perkier side of Arwin. Fortunately it doesn’t sound too punk, which is a plus to me.

All of these songs can be heard at the band’s myspace page. Overall, the EP is a little above average. I look forward to following their progress because I think their next offering could be a lot better.