As a band freshly signed to Arts & Crafts, it may come as a surprise to know that Still Life Still, consisting of Aaron Romaniuk, Derek Paulin, Josh Romaniuk, Brendon Saarinen and Erin Young, have been together for nearly ten years already. A decade of friendship, playing shows, and hanging out in Toronto’s East End apparently makes for a well-fortified rapport though, one that radiates in their sound. Just in time to make summer exciting, the band releases their first commercial EP “Pastel” this week, and oh, does it hit the spot! With the benefit of a genius like Kevin Drew producing the album, and recorded live in only five days time, the band’s own excitement resonates in their performance.

While making a conscious effort to avoid comparisons to Broken Social Scene and well, Arts & Crafts altogether while listening, I was pleasantly relieved to hear a fresh sound coming from SLS. ”Pastel” is the result of years of unfiltered creativity and carefree music-making, and it delivers song after song of re-playable pop music. Upon first listen, it is difficult to pinpoint a certain “sound” or genre that SLS portrays, as there are many instruments making a lot of noises. Yet, in the least annoying way possible, it’s actually a good thing. While instrument-heavy, the tracks are beautifully woven together and conducted in a way that compliment each other, with heavy layering and splashes of instrument here and there.

Unlike other artists, whose overwhelming consistency defines their sound, it is SLS’ ability to do something different with each track that is intriguing. Any album where there is no stand-out single right off the bat says a great deal about its producers; for SLS, it is a comment on their creative capacity. There is a heavy weight and uniqueness to each song on “Pastel,” from the escalating minute-long intro on “80’s on TV” to the short, manic drumming on “AID.” In all its experimental glory — sound layering, background noise, and melodic, sometimes-intentionally inconsistent guitar riffs — the album is simply and impressively well-done. So say hello to the BBQ/late-night walk home after the bar/house party/good time soundtrack of the summer. You’ll be happy you did.

“Pastel” is in stores now, and check out more about Still Life Still on MySpace.

- Gigi Rabnett