Former Gem City resident Erik Schmall has been cranking out a vast array of records as Woody Whatever for half a decade, but in recent years the project has become more of a band, with a fleshed-out lineup that contributes stylistically to the live shows and to the next Woody album due later this spring. But for the new Big One Shout Out EP, available as a cassette or as a free download online (www.beattheindiedrum.com/releases), Schmall went back to doing it all himself.

The result is darker than expected, a collection of songs featuring metallic-sounding guitars and coldly precise drum machines. It sounds like an infusion of industrial clanking and clacking into the quirked-out indie pop Woody Whatever is known for.

Of course, the old traits are still there Guided by Voices remains an obvious inspiration aesthetically and musically, especially on the triumphant hook of opener Rave Time and Schmall has used drum machines before on his The Great Pop LP.

Perhaps most interesting, the EP offers some alternate takes on songs Woody fans might be familiar with from the guitar-heavy live show. The highlights, Listen Up and Name One Time, both show off Schmalls knack for branding melodies on the brain. All in all, its a satisfying holdover until the proper album release later this spring.  -Chris DeVille