Hyena - Hyena EP

Hyena once more tear shreds from the carcass of rock music: four huge, grisly mouthfuls of sneering misanthropy to be precise. These days operating as a three-piece, the early 90s Amphetamine Reptile influences are still extremely apparent, but this latest EP demonstrates an increasingly masterful grasp of succinct yet unruly songwriting. Second track I Was Key Grip is easily the best thing the band have ever committed to tape (if tape still exists anywhere). It's 110 seconds of catchy, angular belligerence, underpinned by tuneful savvy. Alarmingly, opening number A Doctor's Wife is even a real candidate for radio play. (Chris Cusack)