After a six year absence and the tenth anniversary of their first release, ex-Weezer bassist Matt Sharp announced he was reviving his geek chic Indie rock outfit the Rentals, complete with a new lineup plus its original members. And while revivals usually come with dreadful changes to sound, look, and the overall package, it seems like the six year absence has actual benefited the band, allowing them to grow into a mature and whimsical act on The Last Little Life EP, out on Boompa.

"Little Bit of You in Everything" is a sprightly number that'll have toes tapping involuntarily. The relaxed guitar lines and effortless drum beats dominate over the ubiquitous synths, courtesy of Nerf Herder's Ben Pringle. On the updated (and The Last Little Life's best track so far) "Sweetness and Tenderness," the six-minute-and-some-odd-seconds closing song guest starring vocalist/guitarist Ryen Slegr from Cali geek-pop outfit Ozma, the lissom viola, muted synths, and shimmering guitars harmonize romantically. Rachel Haden's vocals add a touch of delicacy to Sharp's obverse monotone singing and sullen lyrics ("Or maybe it's just like Judas said/I've been your right-hand man all along/My admiration for you hasn't died/I haven't forgotten how put down we are").

The Last Little Life EP can only be described as nice headphone music. You know, that one album in your CD player (yes, CD player) you have on repeat while walking down the street watching the leaves change in mid-October and breathing in the crisp air? You know, that type of album that, with every listen, puts a bigger smile on your face? That's the The Last Little Life. And unlike their previous pop-fueled efforts, The Last Little Life has a softer feel, reminiscent of the late 90s when mix tapes were the norm and dulcet sounds were welcomed. And it's definitely welcomed now.