VOLUME TWO

The sequel to one of the more celebrated debut efforts in recent years has attracted only a handful of reviews so far on this site. Either the novelty of the band's dynamic Math Rock has worn off (unlikely, after hearing this new EP), or their otherwise well-calibrated marketing machine needs a quick lube job.

Like its predecessor, "Volume Two" presents an episodic, uninterrupted slice of musical mayhem, played by a tightly-knit power trio led by ace guitarist Sean McDermott. The new EP, available as a name-your-own-price deal from the band's website, is about 25% shorter than the first chapter. But the drop in quantity in no way compromises the quality of the music, which is arguably even more focused than "Volume One", and with a harder edge of eclectic psychedelia.

The trio picks up more or less where they left off at the end of the previous set, but the new music is hardly a retread. Imagine it instead as a fraternal twin, separated at birth from its more popular sibling, and with a very different agenda. The gradual introduction (lasting almost a quarter of the full piece) sets an ominous, almost industrial mood, finally releasing its accumulated tension in a typically busy but surprisingly upbeat jam. Which in turn is only a further warm-up to a driving seven-minute solo by McDermott likely to annihilate any amateur air-guitarist, and from there moving to a robust Space Rock coda.

Even in its more frenzied moments it can sometimes sound like an academic exercise in algebraic rock. But with two strong recordings now in the can, the band has proven themselves to be more than just a fluke. So how about something more ambitious next time out: a full-fledged album for instance? And maybe it's time to reconsider the wishy-washy moniker. Perhaps? Try Certainly, instead.