When hip hop duo Network released their debut album back in July, their experimental, highly lyrical style brought an interesting flavor to the local scene. With sparse production and samples that range from eerie to highly melodic, combined with the fiery delivery of lyricist Quinton Brock, the pair have captured an ambitious, melancholic sound that stands out even in this progressive era of rap.

Their newest EP, Wake Up, is a purposeful progression for the project, both lyrically and sonically towards a defined identity with Brock sounding more resolute than ever before on tracks like "Loon" and "Tarred and Feathered." Producer Derek Sullivan's instrumentals range from abrasive to mellow and reflective with a distinctly analogue sound that captures the gritty nature of early hip hop production. Not surprisingly, a lot of ground is covered in just 5 tracks for a duo that cites indie rockers Sonic Youth and Deerhunter as influences.

From the distorted ambient intro, "Aestivation," which brings to mind Kid A-era Radiohead and the paranoid, industrial sounding "Hypnic Jerk," Network continue to break ground in a genre that has seen the lines impossibly blurred over the last few years as seemingly disparate influences come together in true hip hop fashion. Download Wake Up on the project's bandcamp page and check them out live as they open for Domo Genesis and MellowHigh of Odd Future at the Waiting Room December 7th.