Cincinnati’s Mixtapes provides snippets of adolescence and angst in the form of compressed guitar riffs, direct lyrics, and modest dual vocals. The simplicity of their eleven minute EP Hope is for People is like a snapshot of youth, with the title track acting as its anthem, chanting, “Let’s cut the bullshit and get to living.” This theme continues through the rest of the EP’s six song tracklist, making it easy to listen to a few times through before the melodies and simple guitar parts begin to blur together loudly and passive aggressively in an altogether effective manner. The very forthcoming approach employed by Mixtapes is an echo of punk rock predecessors Blink 182 with a little sprinkle of vocals reminiscent of Kimya Dawson on top. The acoustic track “Where I Live” takes a softer turn, ending the album on a somewhat peppier note. If you aren’t the kind who enjoys rough vocals and uncomplicated lyrics, Mixtapes may not be the band for you. But if, like me, you’re looking to forget adulthood for a few blissful moments and remember simpler times through simple songs, look to Mixtapes to guide your way.