Canadian Progressive Metal band SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC is back, now with a double EP release, "That Which Saves Us, That Which Destroys Us." This release follows on 2017's concept record "Feminism." Sleeping in Traffic draws influences from several genres, some closer to more traditional Prog, some closer to Punk in its various forms, and some closer to Extreme Metal variants.

For the sake of following format, you are getting half the review; the second half is here.

"That Which Saves Us" is the first EP on this double release and shows a brighter, pop-like sound coming from the band. It is, at the same time, the more traditionally Prog EP and the more Punk inspired, with a strong Pop-Punk sound at times. It's upbeat, fun and joyful.

Opener "Through Method and Rigor" introduces the sound of the EP with beautiful, clean arpeggio from the guitar. It has a euphoric sound, with an uplifting and strong chorus as well as a lovely synth solo, courtesy of Cory Bosse and a Post-Metal tingled breakdown complete this outstanding first track.

"Fungal Symbiosis" follows with its gorgeous guitar tone and more noticeable 1990s Pop-Punk sound. Warm basslines add to the catchiness of the track, feeling immediate and right to the point. Elle T.'s backing vocals are vaguely noticeable but contribute to the communal feel of the chorus. They provide a similar feel to "Exoplanets," the centerpiece of the EP and a highlight. Complex, spidery guitar layering, a steady groove and hypnotic synth soundscapes are at the core of the track. It feels closer to DEFTONES high-energy, happier songs.

A more aggressive sound takes over quite abruptly on "False Alternatives," being quite reminiscent of Tom Morello's guitar work on RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. It is the most menacing track on this EP, with a vicious distorted bass sound. It flows perfectly into the beautiful, instrumental closer.

"The Scrupulous Study of Everything" is a scenic closer, filled with clean, Post-Rock guitar lines and a great use of synths and feedback as texture. An introspective track, it carries a nostalgic feel, even getting to be vaguely sinister. There is a sense of impending doom hide beneath it. In that way, it functions as an adept closer to the EP and as a prelude to its heavier, darker counterpart "That Which Destroys Us."

Sleeping in Traffic shine on "That Which Saves Us." Even if it were a standalone project, it would still be an impressive addition to their catalogue. With its joyful, rich sound, it makes the most of a somewhat limited palette that the band chose to use on this EP. The songwriting is outstanding and filled with memorable sections and choruses. Production-wise, there's room for improvement as some songs could have had more room to breathe, but it is a minor flaw.

Overall, this double release project makes the most of the band's talents, delivering on the contrast it promises even with a limited sound palette. "That Which Saves Us, That Which Destroys Us" is a perfect example of the whole being more than the sum of its parts.Overall rating for both EPs as one release: 9