Terry Malts: Insides EP

Terry Malts is a band that has been chiseling pop gems out of punk fuzz over the course of countless singles and tapes, as well as two full-length albums. Insides EP is their quick new burst of sound, and it’s their most refined recording to date. The balance between dark buzz and bright melodies is at its most subtle and volatile here, from the quick surf-rock sprint of “Let You In”, the bittersweet haze at the center of “Grumpiest Old Man”, the shadowy hum that rides behind the catchy “Don’t”, and the moody trudge of “Hidden Bay”. Each song explores a different corner of the band’s sound, but polishes it to a dark, menacing shine. Terry Malts has been honing its sound for some time now, and in the eight minutes of this EP you get a potent dose of fully realized pop sensibilities and ambitious rock muscle. If this carries over to their next full length, watch out.