Chicago band May or May Not’s deliriously catchy chamber pop comes to fruition with the “Bike” EP, an improvement on the intriguing “Colors Only Bees Can See,” the band’s full-length from last year. The six-piece uses a variety of instruments—including horns, synths and piano—plus rock-solid harmonies and backup vocals and crams enough into four songs to make you think you’ve heard an entire record. “Drown in the Sun” features hook after hook—every part can get stuck in your head, and trust me, there’s a lot of parts. Upbeat and full of indie-pop affection, May or May Not’s approach isn’t exactly unique or groundbreaking, but with an energetic live show (they’ve held their own opening for the explosive Bang! Bang!), the group keeps it entertaining by truly using all six of its members. “Holiday,” the EP’s final song, comes close to pop perfection—it’s reminiscent of an old Rentals song, ripe with innocence and delight. (Tom Lynch)
September 16 at Hideout.
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