Five new songs, and three previously unreleased tracks if you buy a physical copy. These Norwegian (again with the Vikings!) indie pop punksters blister their way through a variety of settings. My favorite is "This Is Not the End" (the title track of the band's last album--not included on said album!) which features a pretty standard shout-along piece played through a driving wall of guitar noise.

Spielbergs Running All the Way Home EP (By the Time It Gets Dark)

Not unlike the band's namesake, the craftsmanship is excellent while the band doesn't take any real chances. There's nothing new to report about Spielbergs, except that the songs are glorious and irrepressible. Everything I've heard from this band sounds effortless--and I know just how hard that is to accomplish.

Play it loud. Play it often. Play it with the windows down in a blizzard. This is exuberance unlimited. And if your first reaction is "anyone can do this," take a moment to remember just how many band try and fail. Spielbergs are the indie pop punk band you've been waiting for, even if you didn't think you were waiting for anyone.

Have a listen, and then start craving the next full-length. Tasty and filling.

Jon Worley