EP Review: Best Noodles In Town – Smodge

Best Noodles In Town – Smodge

Release Date: 1st December 2023

Coming out of Indianapolis, Indiana we have possibly the best band name ever in with Best Noodles In Town who at the beginning of December released their debut EP Smodge. Bringing a dramatic indie vibe to the table, these six tracks were recorded over just a few days in the studio with results that belie the short period that was needed. With a heavy focus on mental health and the problems that are finally starting to be taken seriously, it is important to pick the right sound and that is something which is done well here. From start to finish the record is refined in all the right places while still having a genuine rawness that enhances the subject matter.

‘Host’ leads the way with delicate vocals sitting over at times delightfully twinkly guitars that all merge into one to create what should be a soft and engaging track. Dip beneath the surface though and some post-rock starts to drip out it’s a delightful extra layer to the song that really emphasises what mental health can be like. Just as you think everything is going well, out pops some screaming.

As the EP progresses it seems to become more of everything. ‘No Words’ takes all that ‘Host’ was and intensifies it. The guitars are even more beautiful throughout, the vocals are more intense and the track as a whole just flows wonderfully throughout. There are elements of shoegaze, though massively based in that indie vibe that this trio just live in. ‘No Words’ was the final single from the EP and it is easy to see why it is the most popular track from the record. As we head through the middle section of Smodge it becomes even more clear that this is a band that knows the style they’re aiming for and will seldom budge from it. ‘In The Grip’ brings in some heavier guitars interspersed with the heavily indie style that the band love.

Seeing the EP out are ‘At Least’ and ‘Buried Underneath’. ‘At Least’ sees a slightly more technical look at the songwriting, though the choruses retain the same level of melody despite a more mathy look that is brought in. ‘Buried Underneath’ closes out Smodge in some style with the most relatable track in terms of lyrics and the most intense track in terms of musicality. Where most bands tend to slow things down as the album comes to an end, there’s just a little bit more going on throughout the closer. A strong end to an enjoyable 20 minutes of indie goodness.

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