Happily deranged

Locals Tera Melos put out EP Idioms Vol. 1 last year—along with Drugs to the Dear Youth—and even though it was a covers album, it captured this weird energy, which made classics like the Clash’s “Koka Kola” feel like original music. Nick Reinhart—who sings, plays guitar and programs all the experimental sounds—composed these songs with a frenzied sense of innovation while still maintaining loyalty to the McCoys. The band’s cover of the Pixies’ “Tame,” for example, lacks Frank Black’s explosive baritone, but makes up for the shortage of volatility with Nathan Latona’s awesome distorted-bass run and John Clardy’s uptempo high-hat play. The Adventures of Pete & Pete theme song “Hey Sandy” is quick rad fun, complete with “God only knows” bridge, only this time equal parts punk-crunch and eerie vocals. And then, like a blast, it’s gone; the whole album is nine minutes. The Internet notes that Tera Melos will drop a new full-length later this year, and so Idioms, which you can download for free, is a pleasant reminder as to why one should be stoked about said forthcoming release.