Greta Morgan Salpeter of the indie rock bands The Hush Sound and Gold Motel has branched out once again and started another musical project called Springtime Carnivore. Her and her band of three released their first self-titled album Aug. 20 and are currently touring with The Dodos to promote their new music.

I saw both bands live last week when they played at the Parish on Sixth Street and was thoroughly impressed by Springtime Carnivore and the reactions that they were able to evoke from the audience, despite being the openers of the show.

Springtime Carnivore’s album has a great variety of lighter, happier melodies mixed with gloomier, harder riffs which is refreshing and a great way for the new group to display their diversity to new listeners. Some of my favorite tracks from the 14-song album include “Creature Feature”, “Find a New Game”, and the band’s most popular song, “Name on a Matchbook”. The contrast between the two types of sounds are really apparent in the comparison of “Creature feature”, which has a pop-y upbeat theme, and “Find a New Game”, which has a much slower and dramatic tone. “Name on a Matchbook” is one of those songs that’s a hit for a reason, the song is catchy and fun while still maintaining a level of emotion with the lyrics.

What set the band apart from others for me was their ability to perform their songs just as they are recorded. There was very little variation from the album’s sound to the live performance. Morgan Salpeter’s voice, strong and chilling on the album was even more so live. Performing alone for a song on stage last Wednesday, her voice gave me goose bumps with its power and clarity.

Springtime Carnivore’s jingly rhythms and soulful vocals are sure to please whether you’re hanging out with friends or curling up with a book to relax for the evening. It’s safe to say their talent and on-stage personalities are relatable will keep them around the music scene for a while.