Just like smoking your first cigarette (don't do that, by the way), my first experience with Moon Tooth and their 2016 LP "Chromaparagon" left me periodically satisfied. Their alt-prog sensibilities grabbed me, but unlike the aftermath of a smoke, I never got hooked, and I virtually never listened to the Long Island league again. That changes today, as their new "Bastard EP" was released on this sacred day of music. This is a rare occurrence where I'm diving headfirst into a review with previous knowledge of the artist - no bias here, of course.

One thing Moon Tooth pulls off well is the combination of clean vocals and harsher instrumentation. This formula results in accessible, often catchy melodies that most listeners can grasp onto. "TRUDGE" is the first example of such. John Carbone's voice flows with ease and has that slightly-whiny-but-not-really-whiny alternative tonation from time to time. This also means that the lyrics are audible, which goes a long way with the public. "TRUDGE" isn't a simple song, either; the guitar work, song structure, and the composition in general are polished and are continuously busy in the background. "MIRE" hurries up, but Moon Tooth proves that they can sneak a melodic chorus into the most frantic of tracks. Angular riffage and power metal drum galloping take the instrumental forefront, officially cementing the "progressive metal" tag into this review. I'd swap runtimes of the first two tracks - I want five minutes of prog, and three of alt. Well, I guess having both wouldn't hurt.

"I's" is the most straightforward composition, with notes of Deftones (the fuzzy, alternative atmosphere and harsh vocals). Yes, near the end of the track, the chords become false, and my grin becomes a smile. While stylistically basic, it makes up in While not the most boundary-breaking song ever, it's surely welcomed, especially as there's apparently only room for four. Speaking of the fourth, "PUSH" roams into (at least in my experience) uncharted territory, with a Western, almost stoner metal tinge that I've yet to hear from Moon Tooth. There's acoustic passages, tribal drumming, and again, a Western vibe. I can't explain why, and I ain't complainin'.

After this brief listen, it's safe to say that I need more Moon Tooth in my life."Bastard EP" is a short but sweet release that's hopefully a warning of a larger incoming project. If Moon Tooth just drops this and disappears, I'll miss them dearly. I'll miss their progressive brains and alternative brawn, and I may have to scalp the two smoke-colored vinyl, plus the long-sleeve and tie-dye short-sleeve shirts.