Engine Down hail from VA and though they have been around since 1996, they have maintained a fairly low profile in North America due to smaller label releases and their decisions to tour overseas. However, this is a trend which will hopefully not continue for too long into the future, as the talent and intoxicating sounds they conjure up here are refreshing and inspiring, providing a welcome change from the mainstream cliche. With post-rock / emo overtones the band mesh the haunting atmospheres and hypnotic emotion of Sunny Day Real Estate and combine them with unexpected and often vibrant, spiraling guitar parts which can at times bring to mind the likes of more experimental Soundgarden, yet rather than get lost in self indulgence, they ground themselves with a traditional straight forward feel akin to Fugazi that keeps the song progression and momentum firmly in check.

Sharply focused vocals hover over colliding instruments with a confident emotional flair that ensnares the listeners attention, as words are passionately spoken with a weighty nature that contrasts brilliantly with the rest of the groups more jagged musical offerings. The guitar playing is delicate and organic, crashing head on with waves of light distortion only to splinter off into shimmering dynamic strums and plucks that are nothing short of gorgeous. The bass playing however is a tad more cumbersome and adds a degree of thickness to the tracks, instinctively supporting the guitar parts with an eager ambition that bonds the songs together. The drumming performance captured is rhythmic and punchy, using animated upbeat patterns and rolls to instate a continual and steadfast momentum while also breathing a percussive warmth into the tracks that becomes nothing short of essential. Meanwhile, the occasional ambient sampling also shows up and works beautifully with the charming melodies and intricate changes and breakdowns upon which the group are so easily able to capitalize.

Music like that contained on this EP is unquestionably necessary in times like this, as it brings together fresh ideas and implements them without any care for commercial success or clever hooks. Instead, its heartfelt and infinitely honest, crafted with innovation and pure emotion that freely allows the listener to detach themselves and get lost in the winding auditory flow. The gradual variation and contrasting dynamic elements are almost magnetic and though the band prefer to utilize a distinctly organic feel, the composition and aesthetic of their music keeps it sounding balanced and open ended, albeit ultimately melancholic. In fact, this may be the only justifiable complaint against the disc, as the pace is quite continual and the band tend to stay within the same wearied mindset from start to finish, keeping the listener almost locked in place. This however is not enough to seriously detract from such an awe inspiring piece of music and as such, this EP comes highly recommended for anyone who appreciates songs with an occasional indie rock / emo sensibility that will expand their horizons and take them away from their daily troubles, without vocally whining on about the last girl that dumped them. A sign of breath indeed.