The Painters

The EP opens with “SUN NEVER SETS,” a frenetic homage to rock’s flashiest styles, where virtuosic guitar work takes center stage, proving The Painters’ ability to wield bombast with charm. On “RAIN,” Michael Halls' shoegaze-inflected guitar playing dances between melancholy and triumph, revealing a side of the band that will surprise listeners familiar with The Painters’ debut studio LP.

“KITCHEN TILES” takes on an entirely new persona in the live setting, moving through different moods and atmospheres while remaining true to its essence. The band’s improvisational spirit shines on “BACKIN’ UP,” with Halls delivering surreal, jagged solos that elevate the song’s hypnotic jangle. Finally, “ROLLING THUNDER” closes the EP, its sprawling, multi-part composition performed with an exuberant looseness—vocal harmonies might falter, but the raw excitement is irresistible, like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young jamming in the '90s.

CJLO 1690 AM captures The Painters in a transitional moment, where their finely honed studio precision gives way to a more immediate, human sound. These performances, unrefined yet thrilling, are an accessible and irreplaceable companion to The Painters LP, offering listeners a glimpse into the chaotic magic of the band’s live chemistry. Available September 6 on all streaming platforms.