“Come Revisit El Paso!” is the debut album by Pennsylvania five piece So Long, Pluto. So young they couldn’t even buy cigarettes in the US, these kids have built up quite a following in their local area (Scranton), and curiosity always has the best of me when it comes to these urban tales of love for music and word of mouth promotion.

You’re probably thinking, well, can’t be that difficult to attract some interest in a small town like Scranton. So, what makes So Long, Pluto special enough to deserve the attention of the rest of the world? To start with, Matt Murphy: this talented 20 years old lad plays violin and mandolin and also gives singing a shot. Lead singer Chet Williams, the youngest one at only 17, also plays guitar and bass. Third one on vocal duty is guitarist Joe Kincel, also 20. Keyboard player Dan Dalrymple and drummer Matt Belfanti, respectively 20 and 19, complete this unusual line up. Obviously, what we’re dealing with is not your cliché college band.

So Long, Pluto members come from a totally diverse range of influences, which together with the variety of their musical skills make this band worth checking out and very hard to classify. There’s indie and there’s bluegrass, there’s soft rock and swing, folk and a light hearted cheerful pop vibe in “Come Revisit El Paso!” It’s not something to rock to, but it’s one of those laid back CDs that you can put on as a background without fear of falling asleep or annoying the neighbours.

‘Yes, I’m back’ sets the mood for the whole album, with its bluegrass-ish intro and catchy pop-indie choruses. Title track ‘Come Revisit El Paso!’ is indie made in Texas, kind of what the Libertines would have sounded like if they had grown up in Austin rather than the UK. Then ballad ‘Murphy’s Song’ changes it all, with a whispered melody which is nothing new really, but it’s pleasant enough to the ears. ‘Constantinople’ is back to understated indie with a twist, and riffs that would be well promising live. The piano opening ‘Ode to Allies’ is probably not what you would expect from your average indie band, then it picks up, the time changes and it’s actually quite good. Thumbs up for blending their influences and instruments so well on this one. ‘Last Night’s Dream’ leaves us with a hint of 70s soft rock. Very soft.

So Long, Pluto are definitely talented musicians and songwriters that manage to distinguish themselves from most of the average indie limbo out there. They are creative, enthusiastic and have plenty of time in front of them. There’s room for improvement on “Come Revisit El Paso,” but considering these guys’ age and the amount of time they’ve been together so far, this debut album is a big achievement and could mark the beginning of a long term career. Their skills and individuality gives them the potential to become one of those timeless bands that won’t be affected by trends, and it may be early to talk like this, but with the lack of talent around I really wish them all the best.

“Come revisit El Paso” is an ideal chill out album that won’t be out of place in any record collection. Some songs are less memorable than others, but all in all it’s a well assorted track list which will leave you wondering what’s going to be next for these five brilliant Scranton kids.