When you hear the word 'monster,' what springs to mind? Perhaps a monster like a spooky Frankenstein creature? Or maybe the size like big, large, huge? Either way, neither example apply to The Almost's Monster EP since it contains only five songs and the scariest it gets is the cute looking creature on the front of the EP. But the real purpose of the five track EP is to get fans stoked about The Almost's November 3rd release, Monster Monster.

Right away on "Lonely Wheel" the Monster EP sets fans up for the music shift most likely to dominate Monster Monster. Instead of the steady dose of edgy alternative rock which fueled The Almost's debut project Southern Weather, "Lonely Wheel" features a more accessible, smooth rock sound. Also, the catchier music, displayed on the very likable rock song "Hands," sounds like an upbeat version of The Send. The song could also be interpreted as a worship track when Aaron Gillespie sings the chorus "With our hands held high, we're singing/Whoa, whoa oh/Whoa, whoa oh/And with our feet we stomp a cadence for you." The title track represents The Almost's most complex work on the EP as the song mainly features an acoustic guitar before following that up by a thrilling indie-influenced rock stanza. "Monster" explores God's love even in our unattractive state while also hinting at rejecting self-pity. What's not going to be on the LP, and showcased on the EP, are two b-sides cuts which makes the EP seem more like an investment rather than a straight preview. Although "July" is essentially a one-dimensional, aggressive, guitar-driven rock song, "Birmingham" is a catchy punk-edged song which acts as a warning against complacency.

As one of the vocalists and drummer of the popular screamo rock band Underoath, Aaron Gillespie has been able to transform his side project into a full band and release the band's anticipated sophomore project. The Monster EP does an excellent job of getting fans even more excited for the Almost's first release in two and a half years with their fine-tuned rock songs and interesting lyrics. However, with the exception of the title track, the Monster EP is very listenable and, should this be the chief sound that The Almost offers on Monster Monster, it may alienate fans of hardcore alternative rock. That being said, the Monster EP isn't very scary or large. It's just good.

- Review date: 10/12/09, written by Nathaniel Schexnayder of Jesusfreakhideout.com