Dualistics

I’m of two minds about Dualistics’ latest disc. I know — it’s an easy, stupid play on the group’s name, but it’s also the truth. On the one hand, there are some really strong songs and likable elements on the band’s Long Tail EP. On the other, it’s got some awkward lyrics and an overly familiar sound. The EP’s second track, “Get It On,” embodies both the good and the bad of Dualistics. The song suffers from sophomoric, self-consciously goofy lyrics, and the sound draws on too much late-’90s radio-friendly alt-rock — but it also has a chorus that nearly redeems it. Two of the last cuts manage to overcome their issues and shine: “Sideways Frown” is a catchy, groove-driven number with some lovely distorted keys and cheesy-in-a-good-way harmonies, while “Clones” is driven by a shimmering Rhodes piano decorated with some great guitar tones and whispering vocal effects. The lyrics are still a bit silly and incomprehensible, but a heartfelt delivery transcends their inherent banality.