EP releases after two somewhat-successful LPs can be strange things. They can signal a change in sound (Radiohead), or as a reassurance that the band hasn’t actually gone anywhere, but can’t afford to record a full new record (just about everyone else). Golden Bear’s Everest EP steadfastly lands in the latter category, not because they can’t afford to record six more songs (how would I possibly be privy to that information?) but because the sonic quality of this release strays only inches from the last two collections.

I have three simple rules about EP grading: sell me the band in under a half hour, experiment a little (because fewer people are watching), and leave me wanting more. For people who haven’t listened to the two previous full-lengths from Golden Bear [Myspace, Everest does a great job as a Myspace page. Heavy on the light drums, easy on the hard rock, and laid back lyrics about important rock band problems (from “Future Blues,”: “I could write a story/or I could play a song/that would seem inglorious/but that would right my wrongs”), Golden Bear sound a lot like Nada Surf or Rooney or any other American pop band hoping to make a guest spot on the next Michael Cera mixtape.

And this is fine, for the most part. Everest fails only in that it doesn’t provide a single new dimension to the band, and becomes just another set of songs by a group already comfortable with their groove. If you’ve already past judgment on Golden Bear, Everest won’t change your mind either way. I will give points to the crayon-pencil cover art, though. That’s always appreciated.

"Night Lights" [mp3]

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