Smart, jazzy piano-driven pop is The Sound Of Growing Up. Justin Kao’s Boston band releases its debut EP today, Drifting, a short yet powerful collection of songs filled with punchy vocals, ukelele and horns.

The sound is simple, and yet the simplicity is the beauty. It’s honest and bare, kind of like we all are before we develop our adult personas. Kao wrote a number of the songs, including “The Kite” in his college dorm room, and the breezy sound captures the essence of life before it’s all ‘figured out.’ “The Kite” talks of newfound freedom and independence and the near terror that can come along with such things. It’s a really fun song. To me, it’s like Ben Folds Five- super fun piano pop with great opportunities to sing along. At the end of the EP, listeners are treated to an acoustic rendition of “The Kite.” I can’t decide which one I like better.

“Swing” adds horns to the mix and feels a bit edgier. I like that this EP’s songs are highly thematic. All of the songs speak of aimless wandering, holding on- and letting go. It truly is the sound of growing up.

“Drifting,” with its ukelele accompaniment, is dreamy and sweet. I was having one of those grown up ‘moments’ before listening to this EP. You know, where you’re stressed and you just want to go home and lie in bed and watch TV? Well, I listened to “Drifting,” and its hopeful refrain of  ‘It will work out eventually/It will all work out eventually’ really brought things into perspective. I felt better.

“I Have No Reason” touches on the more frustrating side of life. It’s angry and powerful, but laced with defeat and acceptance. It’s a testament to the struggle of growing up.

The Sound Of Growing Up wrote a clever and sweet EP. I’m curious to see what they come up with in the future, as they do, actually grow up.

The Sound Of Growing Up is currently playing shows on the East coast. They’ll be at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA on February 23. Check them out! Here’s a video of “The Kite” for your viewing pleasure, in the meantime.