Angelic Vocals and Comprehensive Cords on Your Way to the Disco 

New York natives The Secret History, which may be a literary allusion to the Donna Tartt novel by the same name, have crafted a six song EP with an endless supply of instruments and vox that will leave you excited, dizzy and possibly hungry for more.

Desolation Town is one of those EPs that if it was stretched into a whole album you would probably get bored of it by track number six. Maybe the lingering character flaw of Desolation Town is that it can seem somewhat forgettable at times. However, with that said, all the female vocals are extremely crisp and refreshing like swimming in Lake Michigan around January. Both Lisa Ronson and Erin Dermody superbly make each song shine brilliant and bright on the background of a refined progressive pop sound with volumes of substantial lyrics.  The one underlying theme of Desolation Town was its reoccurring religious references; each song alludes to some sort of biblical figure. Perhaps the two female singers are real, actual Angels? Or The Secret History is some sort of metaphor for Creationism…? The most notable song is ‘Mark & John (Bring on the Glitter Kids)’ –mostly due to the variety of musical styles found inside the track - leading off with catchy guitar hooks and then mid-way through tastefully shifting gears into retro-pop for the breakdown. It’s an oddity that makes Secret History stand out and worth listening to. Think of how Pretty Girls Makes Graves would sound if they went to Catholic school and studied classic music and literature – see: The Secret History.

Overall Desolation Town is a solid effort for a younger group of talented and upcoming musicians that will surprise you with its full-bodied pop flavor and richly devote vocal stability.

John Niederkorn