Summer Cannibals - Make You Better (EP)

You know those moments when you first hear or see a new band and feel like you're baring witness to something special, something that has the potential to be defining in a way that you crave as a fan, something you think might be important? This was one of those moments.

While in Portland a few weeks back, I (literally) stumbled upon a small bar hosting a showcase of local bands called the Big Ass Boombox. I arrived late in the dingy, cramped space and unfortunately missed all of the earlier bands but I did arrive just in time to catch a set by a band called Summer Cannibals. I was taken with the band's raw energy, penchant for hooks, raunchy guitars and cutting lyrics.

I liked what I heard so much so that I decided to buy the band's EP, Make You Better, on a format I can't even playback. Fortunately the tape came with a download card which I promptly used. Make You Better captures a lot of what I liked about the band when I saw them live. It's been a few weeks since I first gave a listen to Make You Better and it remains in heavy rotation here at the home office.

I think Summer Cannibals is a band worth checking out and paying attention to. Have a listen and judge for yourself: summercannibals.com.