Deathpodal - Exu_Wow EP

In little over 21 minutes, solo music encyclopedia Al Chivers invites comparisons to some of the most far-flung influences one man can surely muster. This EP kicks off in the realms of Constellation's Exhaust and quickly morphs into Billy Mahonie before the first track has even expired. There are a couple of bursts of feral, lo-fi rock, reminiscent of the dissonant early nineties that give way to Set Fire To Flames-esque, quasi-musical weirdness. It's diverse and consistently well done, yet could earn equally high praise as a compilation. From what's on offer here, there is the potential for a number of quality bands to sprout in each direction. One thing is for sure, Mr Chivers certainly has no lack of options. [Chris Cusack]