One of the great things about Doomtree that sets them apart from other groups is that they not only have great chemistry together, but also shine uniquely as individual artists. This year we were already treated to Lazerbeak’s excellent instrumental album Lava Bangers. Now that the dust has settled from some extensive No Kings touring, Paper Tiger steps up to the plate with some differently-styled instrumental hip hop on his Summer EP.

On paper, this might appear to be a filler release, tiding us over until the good stuff drops in the fall. This would be a foolish assumption, though, and you’d be missing out on some of Paper Tiger’s most enjoyable solo work. The EP opens strongly with “Greatest of All Fridays,” whose funk can’t be denied. With a big, funky drum beat, killer horn loop, and nice placement of sampled gospel vocals, it has all the makings of a great summer jam. Seriously, the song sounds amazing on a beautiful sunny day with the stereo turned up. “The Fortunate Wayfarer” is the most indie rock-friendly track on the record, complete with banjo, accordion, acoustic guitar and whistling. The production is still fantastic, and the drums come through really crisp and strong, giving it an edge that pushes the song forward. The next three tracks are more of what you’d expect if you’d spent time with his first album, Made Like Us. It’s right in his wheelhouse, and it’s all really well developed and interesting. However, the real treat of Summer EP comes at the very end. “The Pleasure, The Privelege–” recalls Philly disco/soul of the mid ‘70s before deconstructing and coming back in a darker and much more modern tone in the middle, moving from a feel-good time to something more ominous. Things fade out to silence, only to come back with a beautiful, euphoric psychedelic sound that swirls into a frenzy, with a fantastic guitar solo carrying the track to the finish. Not a typical end to a hip hop EP, but Paper Tiger makes it work, and it works very well here.

In a short time, Paper Tiger takes us a long ride. There is some really enjoyable and challenging music on Summer, and it definitely warrants repeat listens. Do yourself a favor and don’t sleep on this one.