With sounds reminiscent of Van Halen and The Sheepdogs, the energetic main riff and contagiously head nodding beat create that classic dad rock vibe. Louden describes Van Dog as perfect for the summer, referring to its fun nature and unexpected changes. This was the first song to have been written with a harmonica solo. Coming right from an anticipatory guitar and drum build up, it explodes out with a bright and attention-demanding melody. 

“To me, it sound(s) similar to the solo riff in 30 Days in the Hole by Humble Pie, which also has a harmonica solo—So I did my own little version of that kind of thing, put some organ in there, and that’s how it evolved and came to be.” 

This draws the listener in before quickly switching back to guitar where we are guided through a Paul Gilbert-esque solo, leading us back into the classic riff. Van Dog is a versatile track with more to discover each time you listen.

Being one of Louden King’s most adventurous songs, Lou Garou begins with chimes. 

“The chimes I used, they’ve been hanging just outside of my front door for 20 years. (I) brought them down and they (were) full of cobwebs, so it was perfect.”

A subtle bass slide is heard during the quiet introduction riff, amidst also experimental drum sounds, a rain stick, and the continuation of the chimes. There is no better way to describe this intro than a choose your own adventure. It comes across as low and spooky, yet also mysterious and intriguing. Louden admits in his interview that he imagines Luigi’s Haunted Mansion, Nintendo’s creepiest game originally released in 2001. Louden compares the song to a werewolf, as its name is a clever mashup between his own and the French word for werewolf, Loup Garou.

Nearing the end, the once rough guitar riff transforms into a smooth bell adaptation that wastes no time in returning to the heavier theme of the song. Lou Garou wraps up with a very uncharacteristically latin-like acoustic guitar melody to float you into the next track.

Sweet Pontoon begins with a subtle fade-in of what sounds like a bright cymbal and guitar chord before being cut by soft drums into silence. The delicate riff of the song begins with an open tone. Louden describes this song as beautiful and precious, claiming that it is: 

“The most beautiful music I’ve ever made, and my personal favorite.”

The soft guitar is joined by an almost jazzy drum beat, created with careful precision of timing and brushes. 

“I spent almost around two weeks tweaking and changing the drum sounds/tuning. For a slow song you need to have your snare drum a little bit thicker and last a little longer, and I also needed it to sound good (for) loud as well as soft dynamics. Making sure this tuning also sounded good with brushes quickly became a nightmare when suddenly I also had to retune all of my toms to prevent extra snare vibration.”

The lead guitar shares an intricate story untold, allowing the listener to create their own imagery and connections. Not long after, we are met with a rougher, more desperate tone, displaying a change or conflict. Overall, the song is pleasant and easy on the ears. Sweet Pontoon sticks out as the longest track on the EP (~6 minutes), which is likely due to the sheer emotion brought out within it. Louden shares in his Last Stand interview that he felt to be in a magical moment when it started to flow out of him.