Pretty music is nice. Sometimes though, what you need is the rock ‘n’ roll equivalent of a spirited bar fight. In those instances, lately I have been turning to San Diego band The Muslims. For example, I popped their self titled debut EP into my car stereo this morning and by the time I got to the office I was ready to drive right through the doors, navigate the hallways, locate my cubicle, and then flatten it under screaming tires (for job security I do not actually recommend doing this).

Though this is the band’s first real release, they have already captured in it that certain wildness and devil-may-care attitude that takes certain rock bands years to perfect. The EP blasts off with “Right and Wrong,” a bouncy Modern Lovers influenced anthem with instrumentals tight enough to rock yet dirty enough to scare away the weak-willed. It just gets better from there: The fantastic druggy jam “Call it a Day,” is reminiscent of the Velvet Underground at their most ominous. Then there’s the sprawling post punk “American,” with its skittering guitars and sledgehammer bass. The cat’s meow, however, is “On My Time,” a frenzied two minute jam that is quickly becoming one of my favorites this year.

Having been moved nearly to the point of violence by their first few tracks, I can’t help but be very curious how The Muslims’ music lends itself to the live show. Hopefully at some point the band will make a tour stop in Minneapolis to show us face to face. For the time being though, head over to 1928 Recordings, pick up their EP, and just try not to hurt anyone.

The Muslims “Right and Wrong” (mp3)
The Muslims “Beside Myself” (mp3)

(MySpace)