The Smiles are the epitome of California music. I used to imagine what my college life would have been like if it had been in California and not in Seattle. I envisioned late night runs to the beach, watching the sunrise and the sunset w/ my group of friends, falling asleep to the waves and waking up with sand in my hair from staying there overnight. I pictured myself at bonfires [lots of them] with my Californian native guy friends who enjoy surfing casually and strumming their guitar while we roast our marshmallows in our surfer brand clothing or C&C California.

When I listen to The Smiles’ EP Hermosa, I see all of these possibilities. Of course, this doesn’t happen in Seattle ever, but had my life been in California – I am sure that these ideas would have been more of a reality. If I could put a soundtrack to that idea situation above, The Smiles would be it. The whole EP.

The Smiles are a band comprised of college kids from Los Angeles and they make California music sound REAL good. Genre of music? “Beach rock.” How appropriately fitting.

To view their bio click here. Their bio is way better than anything I could have written myself.

Also – as an added special treat, I’m giving you the link to download their entire EP for FREE! Because everyone likes free music right? Of course you do. Just visit their Bandcamp. Today is the last day to grab the EP for free though so get it NOW!