‘Over the Covers’ showcases the Brownout I always love with a new sense of urgency and maturity.

The Bad Signs remind me of Mazzy Star mashed up with Roy Orbison, but with country-influenced female lead vocals.

An EP release has an interesting aesthetic all its own, as shown by key releases from R.E.M., Let’s Active, the Dream Syndicate, the Bangles and others.

There is a sense of David Bowie’s essence here – not the characters he created but Bowie as the song master.

The biggest letdown with ‘Mixtape’ is that it’s an EP, rather than a long-anticipated album. Still, any new music by Living Colour is cause for celebration.

Solo outings by members of successful bands rarely meet expectations. The self-titled second EP from Donny Brown of the Verve Pipe is different.

As with the Heart legend’s musical heroes Led Zeppelin, Ann Wilson gets closest to the bone when exploring deep into her blues roots.

Geared to keep the listener interested, the City Views’ engaging self-titled new EP ripples, romps and rustles.

Herb Eimerman’s ‘ Five Dimensional Man’ boasts the supremely shaped pop rock sounds he’s lauded for, but explores new ground, as well.

Damfino’s poppy vocals, blended with jerky rhythms and angular hooks, aim to revive memories of bands like the dBs and XTC.