Track A Tiger - Woke Up Early The Day I Died (2006)

Recorded over the course of three years, slowly built upon original guitar and voice tracks that singer/songwriter Jim Vallet (formerly of minor alt-rockers Head Candy) recorded in his Iowa apartment's living room, Woke Up Early the Day I Died has the slightly airless feel of a much-overdubbed home recording. This actually suits the somewhat depressive vibe of Vallet's lyrics and his low-key melodies; Woke Up Early the Day I Died compares favorably to contemporaries ranging from Low (especially on the hushed, hypnotic "Here at the End") through Architecture in Helsinki to Broken Social Scene. A particular highlight is the propulsive "Happy," which has a jangle-edged nervous tension akin to the New Zealand indie bands of the '80s, whether that's what Vallet intended or not. Apparently, Track a Tiger has mutated into a proper band with a full-time lineup since the recording of this EP; perhaps its homemade charm will survive a more traditional recording style.