Other Voices - EP

Formed in 2008 when the members were just in ninth grade, this Chicago-area indie group was named among the "criminally overlooked artists of 2012" by MTV before the members had even graduated high school. The Orwells' debut album, 2012's Remember When, showed a band already sufficiently conversant in indie, garage, and punk rock to make a big impression as its members reached voting age. This follow-up EP is meant to keep The Orwells' name in the public eye as they tour during the summer of 2013, including a showcase at Chicago's Lollapalooza festival. TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek produced a take of the punkish title track, with the other version opening the EP. "Blood Bubbles" shows off the band's garage side. "Head" is a brief psychedelic freakout. A live version of "Mallrats (La La La)" from their debut album tilts toward the frenetic energy of new wave. By the time the members reach the legal drinking age in the U.S., they'll be old-school veterans.