If you’ve seen X-Factor Australia over the last couple of years, you’ll be familiar with Brentwood, the Queenstown-raised, Melbourne-based duo of siblings Finlay and Isla Brentwood.

Their self-titled EP is the duo’s debut release, a five-track taster of their sound. It mines those age-old tropes of imperfect and everlasting love and loss, a contemporary fusion of singer/songwriter folk-pop and commercial hooks that (unfortunately) have a tendency to be syrupy and anodyne in delivery, with little to provide moments of interest in songs or delivery.

One thing that does work for Brentwood is their lovely harmonies that intertwine around each other. When singing solo they sound best unadorned, or with little accompaniment.

Deep, the best track here, exemplifies this, benefitting from the gentle rhythmic momentum and a simple melody.

‘Brentwood’ sounds professional, with expert production and a commercial polish appealing directly to radio airplay.

However, the EP lacks depth, and that (pardon the pun) x-factor to elevate it above others who have a similar sound or aesthetic. One for their fanbase.