Shearwater - The Snow Leopard EP

Odds and ends EP's are always a nice little present from bands, specifically in this case of Shearwater's The Snow Leopard EP. Featuring bonus and live tracks and a Talk Talk cover, the EP clocks in at forty minutes, really pushing the words "Extended Play" for all they're worth. The Snow Leopard follows up Shearwater's new full length, Rook, that came out in June, and is such the second release since frontman, Jonathan Meiburg, quit Okkervil River to play for Shearwater full time. The title track starts off the EP with gentle slow-building melodies, which lead up to a crescendo of horns and Meiburg's fantastic falsetto. Other standout moments include the intricate mandolin picking on "North Col," a haunting live version of "Rooks," and their nine-minute long Talk Talk cover of "The Rainbow." All in all, a worthwhile download for Shearwater fans or anyone looking for a nice introduction to a great band.

DOWNLOAD: Shearwater - The Snow Leopard EP [Matador]
Recommended Tracks: "The Snow Leopard," "North Col," "South Col/The Snow Leopard (Live From Florence Gould Hall, NYC)," "The Rainbow."