Considering that I may have listened to this EP 20 times already, I almost don’t know where to start with Thug Life Nicole. Hosannas have outdone themselves in four songs.The tracks of their latest EP wisp through your ears like fog in the clouds, perching softly on the harmonies of your heart with the reminiscence of a forgotten Brian Wilson B-side. "Cccloud" floats waywardly around the unbearably genuine lyrics "I wouldn’t hurt you if I could, but we both know of course I would/but I’d be happy just to see you" steadfast and streamlike until it opens up to barreling drums that drive your heartbeat into the floor that’s melted beneath your feet. "Walroos" achieves a haunting, somehow universal tip-of-the-hat to everyone’s Beatlebound days of yesteryear, veiled behind anecdotes of reversed guitar tracks travelling in stereo from amp to amp, held aloft by the whisper of violins. A bridled cacophony seeps from "Islandz" before facing the wall of subtle synth and heavily breathing drums of "Obsolete People" – the shortest track of the four that captures the mood of the EP itself: a short and heavy orchestra of carefully layered moments that burst through the air like the heavens have spilled down with thunder and lazing sunlight all at once.
Perhaps one of the finest points of this incredible release is that it’s free. You can experience Hosannas tonight at Holocene at The Rumble with Hello Electric and Vanaprasta tonight for free. If you can’t make it tonight you can also catch them at Rontoms for free on Sunday. -Mike Harper