Local independent rock group Inspector Owl recently released its first six-song EP, “Patterns of Nerve Cell Action.” This highly energetic and lyrically charged EP contains the group’s newest tunes since their 2004 split EP release.

The band mixes a charming ‘80s new wave with a slightly tweaked modern rock. The song “89” highlights the EP with a consistent, uplifting beat. Horns and violins contribute to the song and help give it that exciting, yet laidback feeling in which the song could almost be considered relaxing. Most of the songs on the EP can be considered the same way, each containing its own twist.

“Where Do We Go When We are Awake?” kicks off the album, instantly giving listeners an overly irritating amount of sounds, as though the band is trying to do too many things at once. However, the use of forceful lyrics and computer generated sound on top of the obvious guitar and bass in “Simply Orange” and “This Song is About Space” make the album worth the listen. Although the album starts off screechy and unappealing, there is life to be found at the end of the rainbow, particularly in the final four tracks.

Each of the six songs found on the EP contain a sound that is unique to the album. However, this unique sound has already been made famous several times over. Most recently, rock groups such as The Killers, The White Stripes and Modest Mouse have all turned to this particular style of music. Inspector Owl, as impressive as they do sound, unfortunately are only a small time local act who won’t get very much recognition for their positive and

commendable work.