Eisley's second EP, Marvelous Things, isn't a radical departure from their Laughing City debut. In fact, it follows almost perfectly like a good sequel should. Eisley quickly established its strengths on its debut and has wisely decided not to tamper with the sound they crafted on Laughing City. All of Eisley's trademarks remain intact on Marvelous Things, from their dreamy musical soundscapes to their fantastic lyrical images.

The EP's first two songs were strong enough to carry over to their full-length debut Room Noises and it's easy to see why. The title track is carried along beautifully by the harmonies of vocalists Sherri and Stacy DuPree, while their interplaying vocals are used to great effect on the haunting "Memories." The other two songs are no less beautiful, with the cheerful "Sea King" and the likeable singalong of "The Winter Song" ending things on a perfect note.

Marvelous Things is a brief, yet truly marvelous record that Eisley fans should not be without. Those who fell in love with their sound on Room Noises will find a lot to like on their first two EPs, and even if you do own Room Noises already, the songs on Marvelous Things are simply too strong and much too beautiful to be ignored. This young band never ceases to impress.

- Review date: 8/29/05, written by Sherwin Frias