8/10

Ever since they first emerged, Austin's The Dialtones have established themselves as one of the more innovative additions to the indie-rock landscape. Headed up by the gifted songwriter Lauren Gurgiolo, the band have looked to explore the conventions of their guitar-driven sound, while always looking to add a fresh and interesting angle to everything they produce. And after a wave of support for their recent run of releases, they now look to cement their enigmatic nature to date with their hotly-tipped debut EP 'Static Sky', a collection that hones even more of that vibrant imagination they bring to the scene.

Featuring the previously shared gems 'Naming No Names', 'Monk', and 'Love To Live', this new five-track outing perfectly illustrates the broad and wondrous appeal they have garnered lately. Mixing up their creative flow with this explorative approach to both instrumentation and songwriting, 'Static Sky' instantly draws you in with its alluring soundscapes and spellbinding textures at every turn. Whether they are looking to deliver a riveting dose of rapturous energy or pursue something more subdued, The Dialtones take every new idea in their stride, giving the EP this brilliantly unpredictable direction as it plays.

It has certainly been an impactful time for this lot, but 'Static Sky' feels like the coming together of wandering minds that never look to take the path most tread. Brimming with this expansive nature that always throws up something to surprise us again, The Dialtones remain one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.