Midwestern DIY activists Cougar Den fuse melodic hardcore and indie with a message on their self-titled EP. With seven tracks clocking in at just under 25 minutes, the band tears through songs about community, oppression, compassion and the pursuit of happiness.

Cougar Den (comprised of guitarist Justin Schmidt, drummer Kelsey Kaufmann, and bassist/vocalist Bobby Reitman) bend genres from melodic hardcore ("New Kids on the Bloc") to danceable indie-punk ("Suburban Conditioning"), often within a single song. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the guys and girl deliver a refreshing and innovative break from a hardcore scene rife with chugs and breakdowns. Schmidt's knack for writing impressive yet accessible riffs sets him apart from a slew of players bent on recreating clichés.

The album's pace varies from energetic and interesting verses to evolving breakdowns to slow build-ups of intensity ("I'll Take the Side of Reason"). Recorded by Shane Hochstetler (drummer for Call Me Lightning, producer of Terrior Bute), the quality is impressive, with an intelligent and flowing mix of cohesive vocals and layered guitars over punchy bass and frenetic drums.

The members of the band are all either vegan or vegetarian, and promote their views in the liner notes, along with some social commentary regarding society's priority of profits over people and a push for social tolerance. All in all the record exemplifies the potential of these teenagers to create a profoundly entertaining, meaningful work of art that is just as progressive as the ideals they promote.