After 40 years of spearheading a wholly unique sound and a fierce sense of individuality in the indie rock sphere, Antietam has returned with a strong EP that proves without a doubt that the flame of inspiration still burns brightly within these evergreen rockers.

Available today through Motorific Sounds, Pitch and Yaw finds the trio of Tim Harris ( bass and vocals), Tara Key (guitars, keys and vocals) and Josh Madell (drums and congas) constructing catchy, raw tunes out of thick melodic walls of stacked overdubs. With fuzzy leads, haunting vocals and undeniably addictive hooks, the songs on this release capture the same magic that runs throughout the band’s classic LPs, even if that magic feels slightly more refined at times.

All across the EP, the band lovingly clashes together disparate styles and sounds until they create something tasty, new and satisfying. The opening track, “Wake Up Sleepy T,” for instance, promptly catches your ear and pulls you in with its funky riffs, post punk-like choruses and occasional psychedelic flourishes and dynamic production techniques.

The vibrancy and tightness in the interplay on this record, including the guest appearances by Cheryl Kingan on baritone sax and Greg Peterson on vibes, is immediately apparent and shows just how much creative spark, good chemistry and joy exists between these artists. There’s a solid strength to be felt and heard on this EP. It tells you that Antietam is still a major musical force to be reckoned with, and it only makes you eager to hear more.

Here’s to a wonderful 40 years of incredible, original music, and may there be many more years to come.

-KH