A year ago we were introduced to Ram Vela & the Easy Targets and impressed by their debut album Stuck on Yesterday. The Austin, Texas-based four-piece continue their journey with the digital EP What the Hell, billed as “four songs about the perception of threats that activate the sympathetic nervous system and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to sing along to.” First thing that catches the eye is the awesome cover photo by Alison Narro, evoking expectations that are fulfilled by showy guitar violence in opening tune Fight or Flight. This is followed by Reunited (And It Feels Like Shit), my favorite song here (the opening line “I’m playing Russian roulette with my dignity” grabs you by the throat to not let go – the characterful vocals are always inviting), but F.O.G.O. and What the Hell are just as energetic and exciting. Ram Vela (lead vocals, guitars, piano), Nathan Snyder (guitars, vocals), Dan Walker (bass, vocals) and Rachel “Spanky” Fuhrer (drums, percussion) deliver another powerful test of prowess.
What the Hell, produced/mixed by Matt Parmenter, is out now digitally (self-released).
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