First off, this is the new band from legendary Husker Du bassist Greg Norton. Now that that’s out of the way, we can get down to the music. Singer/guitarist Casey Virock has a very soothing, melodic style that works really well and the music isn’t overly aggressive or pummeling. Opening track “Lifetime” is quite a winner, very laidback and very rockin’ at the same time. It’s definitely a great song and one that real rock fans would be very interested in hearing.

“Distraction” has a very lightweight appeal to it, but it’s a song that takes a few spins to really get into – still a good song, but a slow burn to become an earworm. A cover of the late, great Grant Hart’s Huskers classic “Standing By The Sea” allows Norton a bit of peace. Not only does he prove that he’s still capable of playing the song’s melodious bass line as effortlessly as he did 30 years ago, but it allows him to pay tribute to one of his dearest friends. It’s definitely one of the coolest takes of a Huskers track I’ve heard.

The upbeat propulsion of “Pull” is enough to keep the song interesting, but the real highlight is the bouncy and almost full-guitar assault of “Tell Me,” the other real standout on this disc. The bonus live track is a good example of the band’s powers in a live setting but it doesn’t do much for the EP.

Porcupine is definitely a band to keep your eye on. Whether you’re a Huskers fan or not, there’s enough here to draw even the most casual music fans in. The easiest thing that can be said about this record is: it is so damn great to see Greg Norton and his always impeccable mustache back up on stage slaying the hell out of his bass for adoring music fans. Dear God, what a sight!

Rating: B

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