Localized Alan Alda

Alan Alda deserves an award simply for proving that a keen understanding of Fugazi’s clockwork-like arrangements are compatible with a born-on-the-radio love of dirty classic rock and messy distortion. But the Denver trio's debut EP does more than make a point—it flat-out rocks. Although the four-song disc leans heavily toward the artful angularity of its hipper post-hardcore influences, a sense of riff-fortified muscle isn’t just implied; it’s everywhere. The EP's high point, “Red Sky Morning (A Sailing Song)” delivers meaty, crunchy riffs the likes of which haven’t been heard much since fellow guitar-worshippers Hum called it a day, only tamed by staccato rhythms straight from the depths of art-rock’s bag of tricks. “Characters Numbers” revolves around singer-guitarist Luke Goodhue’s from-the-gut delivery, dredging up memories of everyone from Archers Of Loaf to Jawbox. “Swimming” starts out as a jarring, post-rock-meets-pop number, only to blossom into a long-haired arena-rock jam midway through. After a decade of highbrow indie-rockers trying to demonstrate how lofty their IQs are, Alan Alda demonstrates that some smart guys just want to have fun.

Decider Rating: B+