Scruffs

The six-track EP from the Aussie power pop trio kicks off with “Stan And Rocky,” a slammin’ slice that recalls the Replacements, Cheap Trick and fellow countrymen, the Hoodoo Gurus. It’s immediately followed by a turbo-charged and passionate cover of the dB’s’ “Black And White,” which is simply brilliant. Guitarist and singer Ryan Ellsmore seems to have a penchant for sterling dB’s covers; his previous band, Hammerfish, did a marvellous acoustic version of “Bad Reputation.” “Out Of Reach” is a little slower and more jangly, but just as good as the first two tracks, while they marry a skronky solo to a Buzzcocky riff for “High Rotation.” “Slumber” is an acoustic number that suffers from shitty sound — the notes claim it was recorded on a four-track in a public toilet — and is the EP’s only misstep before they close with “Downward Slope,” featuring a near metal opening and a soaring chorus.