Spring semester ends at UW-Madison this week. The Choons' new self-titled EP is the perfect tribute. After all, campus bands made a big impact on the local scene this year, and the Choons were among the most prominent. This four-song disc makes it easy to understand why.
"Barcahoma" is built on a blistering electric-guitar chord progression that's equally intense and melodic. And there's plenty of retro-rock appeal here. The raw, rollicking guitar and drums of "Incognito" feel like rebellion against all the production that weighs down modern pop. It's one part Elvis Costello, one part Arctic Monkeys.
The disc captures the unbridled rock 'n' roll energy that hit Bascom Hill this year. So if you're hosting a graduation party this weekend, plug in the Choons and play them loud.