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![Black River Killer [EP] Image](https://static.metacritic.com/images/products/music/8/3662f57de6bb88158b5a27aed2a091f5-98.jpg)
- Summary: The official release of songs previously only sold on their tour.
- Record Label: Sub Pop
- Genre(s): Indie, Rock
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 4 out of 9
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Mixed: 5 out of 9
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Negative: 0 out of 9
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Seven songs and zero duds--this is the must-hear of 09.
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The members of Blitzen Trapper have a lot left in them and they’ve just hit their stride with their last two albums. Black River Killer EP is only further testament to their amazing talents as a band and of the kind of determined soul that prevails against all odds.
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While the six tracks that follow don't wallow in the same waters of failed redemption as the title track, they do cling to Furr's folksier moments, resulting in a solid addendum for those who prefer Blitzen Trapper's Bob Dylan meets the Grateful Dead fetish over their visceral, vaguely psychedelic Southern indie rock jams.
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The other songs vary, some likely not making the full-length cut due to being eclipsed by stronger, similar-sounding material. Still, fans of Furr will find plenty to like with Black River Killer EP.
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The Black River Killer EP isn't the best place for Blitzen Trapper newbies to start--that would be Furr or Wild Mountain Nation. But, as a stopgap for existing fans, it's well worth a download or--if one's feeling old-fashioned--a trip to the music emporium.
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While the remaining six tracks are neither as catchy nor polished as the title track, they offer some worthwhile lyrical content and musical twists, more subtly evoking the rustic desolation the group aims for.
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The EP works much better as a B-side companion to Furr, because neither the energy nor the ratio of good songs to so-so songs is high enough for the record to stand on its own.
Score distribution:
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Positive: 0 out of
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Mixed: 0 out of
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Negative: 0 out of