Grade: A
Beach pop act Best Coast’s newest EP “Fade Away” is, at first glance, formulaic. Produced by Jewel City, “Fade Away” sprouts up between the band’s sophomore album and the anticipated third, to be released in 2014. It is best described as a happy marriage between their previous two efforts: 2010’s “Crazy for You” and 2012’s “The Only Place.” With the single “I Don’t Know How,” the group explores the balance between tenderness and foot-tapping danceability better than ever before. The lyrics of “The Lonely Morning” are a tad familiar, yes, but music that knows its message and delivers it sincerely is not necessarily bad. Best Coast’s music is plainspoken and dreamy, with touches of pop-rock that make it a great addition to any summer playlist — and there is nothing wrong with a band being faithful its sound and feel.