Over the past few years, catchy piano rock has grown in popularity. Bands like Augustana or Waking Ashland have tickled the emotions of their fans using the gentle melodies the keys provide. Making April is attempting to tap into this same artistic energy in their EP Runaway World and while the sound that they've created for their audience may not be original, it's candid and moving all the same.

The first song, 'These Are The Nights' starts out with a panoramic melody of basic notes that is gradually replaced by strumming; the magic of the tune quickly catches the listener, running through the ears and down the arms like a pleasant shiver. Anyone who has ever had a romantic night can feel the emotion in the music rising up to meet them. The next track finds our musicians lower on the keyboards, it's frostier but maintains the energy of the first. In an endearing twist, the lyricist proclaims, "I wrote this song about you. Isnt that cliche of me to do? But it's nothing for you, the band just needed something more to play." While this might be a confession about filler, this track sure doesn't sound like it. It's these sporadic bursts of honesty that help Making April become a surprisingly sweet little treat.

The following song, 'Driveway' is a sappy tune about dates and cars that has 'high school romance' plastered across it in metaphorical neon. Even so, amiable vocals and the solid tune make it worth your attention. 'All of Yours' slows things down; if the dreadful first line doesnt deter you ("my blood bleeds red") it's a nice track. Its also the closest the vocalist comes to sounding bitter. The mood lightens for 'Chase You Down,' the following song, which is sweet but does nothing to snag your interest. Fortunately, the energy in the album picks up with 'Roses and Butterflies', 'Jump In' and 'Runaway World.' 'Roses' sports a great line, "and now I'm waiting for your call while I bang on this piano like you care at all." While these last three don't exactly manage to capture the ecstatic pulse of the first few (though 'Runaway World' gets a nice acoustic vibe going to finish off the album), they definitely end the EP on a strong note, so to speak.

Listening to Making April is like being wrapped in a warm blanket and sitting out on a chilly summer night, it's a heartwarming combination of words and sounds. The group seems familiar, but comfortably so if only falling in love was as easy as listening to these choice love songs.

You can check out their website at www.makingapril.com.