MammaBear: Hell Cat EP

Singer and guitarist Kyle Gordon expands his arsenal of peppy guitar pop on MammaBear’s latest EP, Hell Cat. The punchy title track is carried by Hives-style garage-pop before careening into an unexpected yet rewarding organ solo. Like a bulk of the band’s back catalog, it’s a full-volume assault that borrows from sleek Brit-pop without sounding dated. The other two tracks turn down the volume, shifting focus to Gordon’s lyrics. “Cruise Control” is a mid-tempo power-pop number that will make your feet tap and your hands clap. Closer “Whenever She’s There” flips the script from high-octane pop to a serene, layered work of beauty. It’s a great-sounding set of recordings — no surprise, considering producer extraordinaire Kris Sampson (the Coathangers, Sara Rachele) is the band’s bassist. ★★★☆☆