New Orleans pop duo drops fresh EP

New Orleans-based duo Generationals are something of a musical oddity from the area with the jangly, soft-spoken pop tracks up and down their 2009 debut “Con Law.”

Its mild sound emanates California ease or Midwest hospitality as much as anything from the Big Easy, all-American pop.

The band’s new four-song EP “Trust” serves as a nice precursor to its sophomore LP expected later this year, adding a sheen to the pair’s cozy sound.

“Say For Certain” leads off with understated brutal honesty, accentuated by vocal harmonies and an undercutting bassline — techniques repeated during the course of “Trust.”

The basement-low sounds complement vocals that are never more than a croon.

“Carrying the Torch” capitalizes on harsh self-loathing a la Death Cab’s “Narrow Stairs” while the chorus could be called lead singer Ted Joyner’s best Ben Gibbard impression.

Again, thumping bass parts provide the drive for the last two tracks, “Victim of Trap” and title track “Trust.” The opening sequence of “Victim of Trap” utilizes some flushed-out electronic echoes to complement the simplicity of most of the instrumentation — in fact, “Trap” sounds like it could be straight off an Angels and Airwaves LP.

The finale is the most accessible and well-crafted effort of the bunch, an absolute achievement on another savvy release from this up-and-coming duo.