Local EP Roundup | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon

Local EP Roundup

The Source music writer reviews EPs from AM Clouds, Paggi and Day of Rest

I get a fair amount of emails from local bands requesting I review their albums and EPs in the paper. Through the summer months, it's difficult to work in these reviews with all of the shows, but now that it's nearly fall, here's a peek into what local musicians are turning out.

AM Clouds

War of Love EP

Release Date: Aug. 17, 2017

amclouds.bandcamp.com/releases

N

ewly formed indie rock band AM Clouds includes two former Portlanders and two California transplants. Their sound has drawn comparisons to R.E.M., Uncle Tupelo and Tom Petty. The '90s-esque alternative rock vibe definitely shines through on their debut EP, "War of Love." The title track has a singalong vibe accented by a catchy drum beat. "Written by Himself" features Moon's catchy and smart lyrics. The shining achievement on the EP comes in "Mystery." The harmonies complement lead singer Bruce Moon's vocals and the sound quality of the EP speaks to each of the member's talent and musicianship. Based on this three-song EP, listeners can't help but eagerly anticipate a feature- length album.

AM Clouds at Bend Roots Revival, Red Bird Stage

Between Deschutes Brewery and Bend Art Station, Shevlin Hixon Rd., Bend

Sat., Sept. 30

4:15 pm


Paggi

Never Sever

Release Date: Aug. 18, 2017

paggi.bandcamp.com/releases

I

n addition to playing drums for newly formed AM Clouds, Dan Paggi also found time over the course of the last two and a half years to work on his own EP. On "Never Sever," Paggi plays all of the instruments, recording vocals, guitar and keys at his home studio and drums at Brent Alan Studios in Sisters. On "Summer," Paggi starts slow and melancholy and comes in strong to an alt-rock gem. "Never Sever," the title track, has a definite surf-rock, Beach Boys vibe, but takes the lyrics somewhere you may not expect. "We are just a couple empty nesters on the run..." Paggi sings on "Never Sever." "It's a Shame" closes out the EP with a slower-paced, emotional track. Overall, the EP showcases the eclectic taste of Paggi and his varied skills as a well-rounded musician.


Day of Rest

Day of Rest EP

Release Date: July 3, 2017

dayofrest.bandcamp.com/album/day-of-rest

T

he old proverb says that the month of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Well, you could say the same of Day of Rest's self-titled EP. The appropriately titled, "Intro," starts soft like a lamb before ramping up to a lion-like roar. Day of Rest, a heavy metal band that calls Redmond home, finished the EP this summer and has spent time playing local shows and cementing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene. "Defender" comes in strong with appeal for those whose first choice may not be hardcore metal. The track takes on a more melodic sound as it progresses, rounding out nicely. The band hopes to invoke spontaneous head banging, and with songs such as "Solace," there's no doubt they'll achieve that.

Day of Rest

Fri., Sept. 2

Third Street Pub

314 SE 3rd St., Bend

8pm.


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