Landing between albums, the EP features more striking alt-pop in an affecting look forward to new material as well as alternate versions of previous songs. Fallout Stations is five songs of various age, lushness, and combine for a rock/pop-straddling tour through a quickly increasingly impressive catalog.
Several of the tracks shine through their lo-fi production and more than hint at the band's potential. "Caribou", sounding like a Pixies basement tape, is their cover of a frustrated grunge jam that begs to be let out into larger spaces. It's only a small fraction of the range that the Foundry Field Recordings squeeze into the EP, however. The title track opens slowly but dangerously with an electric buzz before singer Billy Schuh's vocals and an acoustic guitar solemnly introduce a chilling ballad with haunting background effects. "Buy/Sell/Trade" kicks into a higher rock gear while flaunting their ability to cleverly disguise a catchy pop track. This version of "Broken Strings" is a moving acoustic take of a track from their debut, Prompts/Miscues (QRO review). Finally, "Transistor Kids" completes the disc with a fuzz-heavy track that packs punch into each beat with gripping guitar density layered over a powerful, future-pop rhythm.
Until their next album is released, Fallout Stations EP is an excellent appetizer full of penetrating hooks, creative effects, and unusual range. It's sure to be a great bridge to even better things to come.
