CATERPILLARS

For a debut EP, Caterpillars’ five-song set of electronic-tinged pop rock is remarkably polished and consistent—to a fault. Still, the Dallas band’s lush arrangements of dramatically soaring pop are impressively full, particularly for a trio and such a new band. Singer/guitarist/programmer Chris Robinson (no, not that Chris Robinson) clearly knows how to craft a mall-worthy indie-pop song; his voice sails and echoes above a bed of reverb-drenched guitars, chirping samples and electronic beats.

But the band reaches for grandeur on every song, a tendency that’s particularly evident in moments such as when the distorted digital beats and hazy, ambient samples give way to pounding live drums in songs like “Bury Your Words” and “I’ve Been Lost.” Bassist Jason Huff and drummer John Benitez prove a worthy rhythm section for Robinson’s sophisticated compositions, though their efforts are usually all but buried in the vocal-heavy mix.

Basically, the songs could use a lot more grit. If the band’s performances had any rough edges to begin with, Ed Rose’s pristine production has smoothed them away. This EP is clearly the product of talented players, but doesn’t do much to distinguish the band from the glut of Postal Service-loving area electronic/emo acts like PlayRadioPlay.