Single Review – Acadia, InFocus EP

InFocus is the debut self released EP from Portland quintet, Acadia, InFocus is a an EP that has no overarching theme or story and it has been described by the band as “a glimpse at pure emotions”. Acadia began life as an acoustic project, as they developed their material the decision to expand the line up was made so that the songs could have a fuller and richer sound. In addition to the five musicians that comprise Arcadia, the EP features guest vocals from Like Pacific‘s Jordan Black and Matty Arsenault from A Loss For Words.

Acadia are no relation to the band of a similat name that was formed in the mid 80’s by former members of Duran Duran, now we’ve got that cleared up we can discuss the Portland band Acadia. This is an EP of six heartfelt and impassioned indie rock numbers that have influences from the emo and alt-rock stables. For me the stand out track from the InFocus EP is Casablanca with it’s refrain of “here’s looking at you kid”, after all, who doesn’t love a good movie reference. In addition to the strength of the material on display the mix on InFocus is perfectly balanced which let’s this five piece shine on what is a very impressive debut EP.

Acadia have made a strong initial statement with their debut EP, they are competing in an overcrowded genre of heartfelt emo influenced bands, but the key difference is that they don’t fall into the trap of mawkishness or self indulgence, the result is that the material is delivered with spirit and originality, if I had the chance to play this for a few more days I have a feeling that the Infocus EP would grow on me even more than it already has.

Acadia will be supporting Like Pacific and Broadside on the Distant Like You Asked Tour on October 12 in Cambridge, MA.

Digital copies of InFocus are available via iTunes and will be available to purchase on CD at their live shows