
I don’t know about you guys but I’m not the biggest fan of the “extended play” or, in short “EP.” As you know, EPs contain more music than a single but are too short to qualify as a full-length album. In my opinion, you typically get one standout out of the few tracks provided, and that’s it. And I’d be damned if I came across an EP to blow my skirt up. Fuck, was I wrong! Milwaukee, Wisconsin band, Juniper Tar couldn’t have slapped me in the face any harder. They are set to release their “The Howl Street EP,” on February 18th and holy smokes does this 4 song EP pack a punch. And before you start making your own conclusion on a “4 song” EP let it be known this EP peaks a little over 20 minutes of some of the most promising music for the FPM nation.
We have Jason Mohr on Vocal and Ax duties, Aaron Schlecher (guitar/ax), Tuc Krueger (drums), Ryan Schlecher (bass), and Chris Demay (Piano). Juniper Tar is a group of 5 buds playing folk-rock music they have all grown to love and they credit their influences to some our favorite acts (Neil Young, Uncle Tupelo, and Ryan Adams). Any time we hear a band is influenced by those troubadours we’re all ears. Yes, some succeed and some may fall by the wayside. Well, Junipar Tar not only sits nicely in the company of their influencers they also do a damn good job carrying their torch. The opening track, “Innerstates” could be one of the greatest songs Jay Farrar never wrote and one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard this year. Providing us with great song writing and great vocals but what I think really brings this band together are the guitar arrangements. The middle tracks “Bird and Trees” and “Old Mystery” provide a spacey interlude, which would make any Nels Cline or Crazy Horse fan happy. And they couldn’t have closed with a better track than with “Strings” a number that showcases their knack for multi-harmonies and the bands cohesiveness.
All in all, the EP exceeds expectation. Hell, it really hard to do it justice with a quick review. But trust me guys, dedicate 20 minutes of your time and I promise you will get lost in this one. Very well crafted and you’ll be yearning for more.
Side Note – Just heard Juniper Tar will be taking part at SXSW. They’re still working out a date and time, but we’ll get back to you when we hear more details. It will give you a good chance to check these guys out live and buy them a shot. Oh yeah, and to buy us shot as well because we'll be there.
(photo courtesy of Kat Berger)
-Keith
"Innerstates"
"Old Mystery"
Buy "The Howl Street EP"
Juniper Tar Myspace



