Mt. Sims- A Grave

ARTIST: Mt. Sims

ALBUM: A Grave (EP)

LABEL: Hungry Eye Records

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 2-25-09

Mt. Sims is the post-punk and gothic rock project of Matt Sims, who has collaborated with everyone from Love and Rockets' David J. to Crime and the City Solutions' Thomas Stern, who produced this release as well as Sims' latest full-length. Available as a 12-inch vinyl or a digital download, this four-song EP previews the new full-length album with "Grave," a moody electronic offering backed by effects-laden guitars that recalls a more synthpop-influenced version of The Chamelons. Also present are three songs exclusive to this release. "Melting the Ice" starts off with darkly bouncing synthpop and bleak distorted vocals, but its screechy guitar gives it a death rock vibe that recalls early Christian Death, of all things. "Lost in the Dark" is likewise old school punk-edged goth, nervous keyboards skittering between staccato drum machine and squealing guitar, while "Unwound" has the electric energy of early Siouxsie and the Banshees, albeit with Sims' baritone singing rather than Siouxsie Sioux's iconic voice. A treat for diehard fans of Sims' work, this four-track teaser promises good things to come from the current Mt. Sims line-up.

Visit the Hungry Eye Records website at www.hungryeyerecords.com for more information about this release.