EP a 20 minute, sonically diverse trail

Austin-based rockers And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead bridge the gap between last year's Source Tags and Codes and whatever its next album happens to be with the inspired EP, The Secret of Elena's Tomb.\n The disc contains a mere five tracks, clocking in at less than 20 minutes, and serves as a natural progression from Source Tags -- one of 2002's best rock albums. Aside from the opener, "Mach Schau," the band seems to have found a new bent. "Intelligence" most fully conveys this trend by implementing heavy doses of drum machine and a writhing electronica beat. Who knew these cats could sound like the bastard love child of Nine Inch Nails and The Cure?\n"Crowning of a Heart" and "Counting Off the Days" are beautifully orchestrated ballads chock full of acoustic guitars, cellos, layered harmonies and ironic lyrics. "All St. Day" is a musical kick to the nuts replete with throbbing tribal drumming, nasty guitar riffs and an arena anthem chorus that further differentiates the musical palette of the disc.\nDespite its length, The Secret of Elena's Tomb is a sonically diverse treat, which should appease Trail of Dead fans until the next LP arrives.