Chop Shop/Atlantic

Kansas City, Mo.'s The Republic Tigers have released a four-song EP that is interestingly ambient, yet catchy enough not to fade into background noise.

"Sinkin' Annie, Down, Down, Down, Down" sounds sweet, with pursed vocal melodies on top of slow keyboard-backdrop bleeps. Secondary vocals ride just behind the lead voice, layering harmonies and lush, pleasing tones.

The most exciting song on the band's self-titled disc is "The Drums," which has Casio-inspired, quick-step stammering drums, with soft synthesizer pads echoing beneath it. Backup vocals peg bell-tone notes while languished lyrics dance from the lead voice.

The final song on the CD, "Rollercoaster," starts with acoustic guitar strumming, tambourine and piano before a walking bass line works its way through the the paced, pleasing instrumental intro, eventually giving way to echoic vocals just before the album's end.

This EP is easy on the ears, but interesting enough to keep your attention.

"”Joe Wertz