Kicking off with the spacey hard rock of "Velouria," this EP delves into three other songs that don't appear on the album Bossanova. Everyone except lead guitarist Joey Santiago is allotted time to sing. Drummer David Lovering presents a faux-
Morrissey voice on "Make Believe," and bassist Kim Deal spews forth a half-hearted delivery on "I've Been Waiting for You" with her mumbled whispers. Although both "Make Believe" and "I've Been Waiting for You" are played in the traditionally loud
Pixies style, they lack any of the interesting noise aspects or cracked time signatures the band is known for. Even the last track, "The Thing," is just a regurgitated reading of Bossanova's "The Happening." This release is nothing but straightforward pop that results in one of the group's most boring statements. ~ Stephen Howell