My thoughts on Weezer's SZNZ: Winter in 14 seconds

real review:
I Want A Dog - i wouldn't have picked this as the opener but its a damn well lead single. the intro with the strings are a great addition. The verses are super earnest with a glorious guitar solo to end it off.
Iambic Pentameter - this is such an odd one (but in a good way). easily one of weezer's more interesting and ambitious songs in terms of structure and instrumentation with very explosive sections. Could see this growing a lot more but is already a song that sticks out.
Basketball - now the guitars here SOUND like the blue album sounding. that and Fountains Of Wayne kind of sound to it. catchy chorus and great bride section. an easy banger.
Sheraton Commander - i have not been a fan of the two minute sample songs that Rivers has been doing for SZNZ. however this is easily the most interesting one Rivers has done. the strings here sound great and adds to the mysterious and eerie tone its going for. No clue why this wasn't the opener.
Dark Enough To See The Stars: HARMONICA
The One That Got Away: this has no right being as emotionally epic as it is. the vulnerable lyrics mixed with the great guitar breakdowns makes this such a great song. The soaring chorus here absolutely rules
The Deep And Dreamless Sleep - this feels like a euphoric closer to the EP but also the SZNZ project as a whole. The pumping drum rhythms to the strings and the choir-like chorus are incredibly wonderful. but man its that ENDING. that buildup to that absolute monster of a outro. Such an epic way to conclude all of this. ALSO i swear i hear the Run, Raven, Run chrous melody mixed in with the layers of guitars at the end. Lots to process about this one and thats a massive complimant.
overall, this is an initial reaction on first listen but what a journey. the production here is easily the best out of the four. the spacing and arrangements of the instruments have been the closest to blue since white and ewbaite. the harmonies from Brian and Scott are audible here and that and the range of instrumentation absolutely add so much more texture to the songs themselves. this is a strong 8/10 right now. can't wait to give it more listens.