Is Is * by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Personnel: Karen O (vocals); Nick Zinner (guitar); Brian Chase (drums). The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 2001 debut EP announced a considerable new force on the New York City rock scene; after a couple of studio full-lengths the band demonstrated the same focus and fury on another EP, 2007's IS IS. The disc's five tracks prove the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are still talented indie rock alchemists mixing primal energy with an arty sensibility."Rockers to Swallow,"the album's opening track, and the title cut are standouts: both burst from the gate with fierce energy, clattering rhythms, and singer Karen O's ferocious caterwaul. The album's slower songs ("10 x 10") lend texture and variation to the disc, but rarely allow the surging power to lag. IS IS galvanizes as a rock record should, and as such is worthy of attention from both casual and serious fans.