New band alert! Meet EZ8, a London outfit with some serious firepower — including Chubby (of the now-defunct Chubby and the Gang, plus The Chisel, Boss, etc.). Based on their four-song debut EP, I’m pretty sure there’s more scene royalty in the mix, though I can’t quite confirm who just yet.

Opener Drop Me Out comes closest to the raw energy of Chubby and the Gang, but EZ8 sound way more lo-fi — while definitely putting the loud in it. Across the other three tracks, the band reveal themselves as an intriguing rock combo, drawing from punk rock (there is more than a whiff of Misfits here, particularly on Right Behind You), hardcore, post-punk, and new wave without ever sitting still long enough to be boxed in.

An exciting new direction for Chubby and company. The digital version of the EP dropped before their first show, but don’t be surprised if a 7″ (on Static Shock Records?) follows soon.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp