Smalltown Poets are legacy band at this point, releasing their debut album back in 1997 -- the original band, Villanelle, released their album in 1995. While the Poets are no longer a full-time band, split between Washington, Georgia, and Florida respectively, the guys do continue to make music together and play some shows. Their last album, NWxSE (northwest by southeast) released back in 2021, but the Duluth, Georgia boys dropped a teaser for the song "Florida Man" back in April. St. Augustine, an EP-sized self-proclaimed "album," is their newest release and it's so nice to still be getting new music from the Poets in 2025.

"All the Voices" opens the album with some strong 80s vibes. The synthy pop/rock song has driving bass and drums to match the period as well. This one feels like a new sound for the band, but still manages to be perfectly Poets at the same time. Michael Johnston's voice is like welcoming back an old friend, and it hasn't aged a bit in 30 years. Plus, those signature harmonies offered by the band are right where they should be. It's a great way to start things off, but things only get better with "February." This one pushes closer to the "classic" feel, but also has a fresher edge for the band -- it also features a great little guitar solo. "A Little of Your Time" and "Pour the Water" are quintessential Poets tracks. The former is the pop/rock sweet spot for the band and is super catchy, while the latter is a slower more thought-provoking worship-type number. Johnston sings, "Pour the water, pour the water, draw the wine. There's no other who can speak to water and call it wine -- at the perfect time." Both tracks would fit perfectly into the Listen Closely or Third Verse era of the band.

"The Weekend" has a little of the 80s vibe as well, but fits nicely into the sounds of the music the band has been writing in the past ten years or so. It's another solid song and also features another enjoyable guitar solo. The closer was teased earlier this year with some new and funky type sounds coming from the band. "Florida Man" does have that funky stuttered sound they highlighted, but at its heart, it's just a lighthearted and fun Smalltown Poets song. It's also only fitting to have a song called "Florida Man" featured on an album named after Florida's oldest city. The closing refrain has Johnston singing, "If you still believe in God, thank a youth pastor," while the band sings, "Sing for the Florida man" in the background. It's an entertaining way to close things out for sure.

Smalltown Poets have been writing catchy pop/rock songs for a long time. St. Augustine shows that they can still do this with the best of them. There are some instances of the band pushing the boundaries of their normal sound and instances of them leaning in heavily to their glory days. The album is an enjoyable, albeit short, listen. In fact, my only real complaint is the brevity. Four more tracks of this caliber would have been amazing. However, beggars can't be choosers. The Poets have busy lives outside of music and they managed to give us six outstanding songs in 2025 when I wasn't expecting any. Fans of the band will want to check this out as this is some of the best material of their career. However, newcomers are also welcome to the party. St. Augustine is easily one of my favorite releases of the year.