Little Quirks (2024)
Little Quirks’ self-titled debut record showcases the band’s knack for blending folk-pop and alt-folk with a fiery energy and emotional depth. The trio, comprised of sisters Abbey and Mia Toole, and their cousin Jaymi, create a record filled with tight harmonies and captivating instrumental interplay that draws comparisons to the likes of Mumford & Sons, yet feels distinctly their own.
The album opens on an uplifting note with Storm Like Me. The energetic interplay between falsetto and full vocals creates an infectious, soaring atmosphere, highlighted by stunning harmonies that lift you higher with each line. It’s a song that begs to be experienced live, with its driving rhythm and electric energy.
Colours offers a slightly darker, more cinematic experience right from the start. The deep strumming in the guitar and rich bridge evoke that anthemic folk-rock feel, reminiscent of early Mumford & Sons. There’s a richness in its melancholy that contrasts beautifully with the album’s lighter moments.
Reverie is more alt-heavy than folk, leaning into a thumping, driving rhythm that propels the song forward. The harmonies here are again mesmerizing, adding to the track’s dynamic quality, and it perfectly balances folk-rock with alt influences.
The first ballad of the record, Caught in June slows the pace with a “power-lite” ballad feel, placing focus on the trio’s harmonies. Their vocals come together so seamlessly, offering a moment of reflection and beauty in the midst of the album’s more energetic tracks.
The Ones That Dance brings back the high energy, infectious rhythms, and anthemic sing-along feel that the band thrives on. The group vocals in the chorus make you want to move. It creates a joyous atmosphere that feels made for a crowd.
Red Shoes is a high-octane burst of energy, again driven by heavy guitars and hard-hitting vocals. There’s a rawness to the instrumentation, with its rock-driven intensity that contrasts with the folk foundations of the record. It’s a standout track in terms of sheer power.
Above The Ground’s chord progressions are irresistible, with a melodic richness that scratches just the right part of my brain. It adds a fresh new layer of depth and complexity to the record, showing off the band’s songwriting abilities.
Three offers something dramatic and eerie, built around a low, floor-tom-driven rhythm that builds slowly into a grand and climactic conclusion. It’s their version of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” in a sense, blending tension and release in a truly epic manner.
Wildflowers feels delicate and ethereal, filling every empty space with beautiful harmonies and strings. After such energy and high emotion, Wildflowers offers a quieter moment of reflection that’s haunting and gentle, like a folk dreamscape.
Returning to this records high energy and sing-along feel, Go Home brings back the celebratory spirit of the earlier tracks. It’s a perfect lead into the album’s conclusion, full of life and vibrancy.
The closing track Party’s Over feels like a perfect bookend for the record, summing up the album with a celebratory, joyful note. It leaves you with a sense of closure, yet longing to hit repeat on the entire experience.
Little Quirks have crafted a debut record that masterfully balances the joy of folk with the power of alt-rock, creating an emotional and energetic journey from start to finish. For me, this record captures the spirit of what makes Little Quirks so special – their harmonies, their energy, and their ability to evoke emotion through both delicate and powerful moments. Their self-titled debut isn’t just a record; it’s an introduction to their world; one that I can’t get enough of. It is one that we should all gladly revisit again and again.
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Highlight Songs:
Reverie
Above The Ground
Three
The Ones That Dance
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Little Quirks have entered the chat and have defiantly made it known that they are a group worth throwing all of your money at. So do it. Make it rain with hard copies of this debut. It’s worth it.
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Album Rating:
4.5 Stars
