BY KRISTINA KOZLITINA
Just released: a unique collaboration between two New Paltz, NY acts. Schmave (the endeavor of Avery John) and Winnebago Vacation (the project of Eli Frank) have recently partnered to create a 4-songed, split EP. Establishing a hypnotic presence from the get-go, “Stand Back” sets the scene with comforting guitar strums and throaty vocals. Going further, the EP jumps from bubbly, mostly instrumental beats (“C U”) to refined mood-music, perfect for an evening in (“Amber Tiles”). Honing in the brainchild of two complimentary genres, the EP concludes with “In the Gut,” a light-hearted sad song, wrapping up the collaboration with a twinge of nostalgia. Distinctive and intriguing in its sound, the EP appears to be a step in a new direction for the two artists—overall an all-around successful collaboration, imbued with musical depth and thoughtfully expressed emotion.