The Midwestern's band name should automatically make the music on their EP self-explanatory, but if not, here's the deal: If your thing is methodical, well-thought out, midwest-tinged indie math rock then this band's self-titled EP is waiting for you.

Slights hints of both Jawbreaker and earlier Polyvinyl permeate the four songs, and even a couple Queens of the Stone Age-rock riffs appear at one point. This type of diversity is definitely needed for five-minute instrumental jams ("Molson Golden") like the ones on The Midwestern, though a song or two features a little bit of rough vocal work. "Southwester" has a nice bounce and flow about it, and that's something I'd really like to hear capitalized on.

The warm, `70s-inspired color scheme of the artwork adds a bit to the release, but not quite enough to make it everlasting. I think the Midwestern's songs could be a lot livelier, and when they do choose to take on that level of energy things will really hit the bulls-eye. For now, there are some strays only hitting the outer circles, but at least they're hitting something altogether.

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Molson Golden
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