Los Angeles pop punkers Together Pangea have a knack for making EP’s. Their latest on offer is Non Stop Paranoia (Netwerk Records). Five songs in 12 minutes doesn’t sound like much, but once again the band have managed to say a lot in little time while slightly changing up their direction at the same time. The songs on display here are a cathartic release about the truly fucked up times we live in, most notably in the band’s homeland, the States where a lot has changed since the band released their last album, 2017’s Bulls And Roosters.

Musically the album hints at 80’s nostalgia with the new addition of synths to the band’s arrangements, this change is welcome. First track Rats opens with shimmery guitar strums reminiscent to Television, that give way to a disco infused chorus. The band demonstrate from the get go that change is afoot and the band slink into the new sounds with ease. It’s not to say the dance groove on Rats is shocking, Together Pangea have always been able to make small subtle changes in direction and make them into grand strides. Hi-Fi Television sets it’s sights to straight forward and reminds us that although the bands sound has been somewhat tweaked with 80’s dressings on this release they don’t stray too far from their roots. The squealing guitar breakdown closing the song thrills. Title track Non Stop Paranoia has frontman William Keegan melting down with the declaration “No future, dark ages, night visions…it’s non stop paranoia, night visions…” before giving way to Spend The Night’s minimalist 80’s indie. With this Ep, Together Pangea were obviously getting something off their chest. This collection of five songs hit harder for this listener than the band’s last full length album, with any luck The band will sound as renewed on whatever release lies ahead.

Check it out here.