http://www.lawrence.com/users/photos/2015/sep/22/296920/

It’s hard not to think of Toughies as an adorable box of kittens. The relatively new band full of young musicians tend to make eyes at each other and smile or giggle when their mouths aren’t busy at the mic. But they’re finally beginning to shake that image thanks to their new EP. They’ll celebrate the release Friday at the Replay, and you have every reason to go.

http://www.lawrence.com/users/photos/2015/sep/22/296921/

Toughies is really just a few months old. The very first time they played a show, the community got hyped up and came out by the dozens to watch them play the Replay (on a weeknight, if you can believe it). Half of the band had plenty of live experience with their previous stint in Haunt Ananta, yet they all still took the stage doe-eyed and a little nervous. On that Wednesday night in April, they nailed every song they performed. Turns out, the hype was real and the audience was thrilled.

Since then, Toughies have been a great summer escape thanks to their breezy, swaying numbers. “What Are Hands For?” is a particularly lovely song full of harmonies and choruses that will happily make themselves at home in your memory. This also holds true for their other tunes, including the ever-upbeat “Horsefeather.” That song is brimming with cool thanks to the wailing guitar bits breaking up all the “Uh huh”s and “all right”s. The song made a lasting impression at Toughies’ last show (below).

That last show is moving Toughies away from the “box of kittens” image and portraying them as a band with songs that are quickly and professionally developing. In fact, much of their music is taking a turn, exploring into other genres. Toughies can be poppy, bluesy, or even romantic… but they’re always in style.

Right now, this town loves Toughies. You can see what the hype is all about when they play the Replay at 10 p.m. Friday with Dream Girl and Maybe Not.