Push the sliders to "melancholy and epic." Leave them there. Granted this is an EP, but the consistency of intention and execution on display here is nearly overwhelming even in a shorter format. Bombs Into You add buzzing synths to moody rock. At their best, they come close to the busy rhytms and guitar work of a band like Juno, but they lack some of the odd twists and missteps that kept Juno's work both emotionally charged and interesting.

Each track on the CD is well played and produced, but I couldn't get excited despite the best efforts of the manic drumming and the step-back-from-the-mic-and-scream vocal emphases. My main issue with this EP is that it sounds so radio-ready. I shouldn't fault anyone for accessibility or for producing a slick, professional sounding product. Also, I don't doubt that this trio is sincere and into what they're doing; it just didn't stick for me.

(Sidenote: if you sound anything like Gavin Rossdale, you may want to avoid asking someone to "be [your] machine." As someone who was a middle schooler in the early 90s, I couldn't help but notice this.)

The good news is, if you doubt my take on it, which in many ways I invite you to do, you can download this EP for free (legally) from the band at www.bombsintoyou.com. Also, volume 2 of this EP series should be out now or soon. 5/10 -- Howard Martin (22 July, 2009)