The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have been busy over the past year and a half or so; after releasing their debut LP in February 2009, they put out a follow-up EP and single as well, in addition to almost constant touring.

They’re now preparing their second full length for release in March.  “Heart in Your Heartbreak” is the lead single from that forthcoming album, and it’s obvious that the band has invested more into the production value here, sanding down the rougher edges that were prevalent on their debut.  The resulting sound is more fully realized than on previous releases; it’s another fine example of what the band does best.

The single will be released on December 14 via Slumberland + Fortuna Pop, but it’s not available for pre-oder yet that I can find.  The band will also be heading out on a brief tour over the next few weeks; check their MySpace for the total list of dates.

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The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Heart In Your Heartbreak by forcefieldpr

To finish up our brief look at what we think were the best EPs from this past year, we’ve got four of ‘em.  I had originally planned on three, but I forgot about one of my favorites.  I won’t tell you which I left off of my original list.

Blitzen Trapper – Black River Killer

Previously sold exclusively at their shows, Blitzen Trapper’s Black River Killer EP is an extension of their 2008 release Furr.  At just over 17 minutes for 7 songs, it’s a quick showcase of what Blitzen Trapper does best – their unique, Northwestern take on indie-folk.  Black River Killer will further endear them to previous fans, while offering enough to reel in new ones as well.

Blitzen Trapper – Big Black Bird (mp3) from Black River Killer EP

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Higher Than the Stars

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart’s Higher Than the Stars EP is a nice companion to their acclaimed self-titled debut that came out earlier in the year.  Their shoegaze influenced twee-pop is as affecting as here as on their debut, but it doesn’t expand anything in a new direction.  Their formula works well, and with the 4 remixes tacked onto the end of the EP, it shows that even if it’s reorganized, it’s still just as good.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Falling Over (mp3) from Higher Than the Stars EP

Bon Iver – Blood Bank

Three of the four songs on Bon Iver’s January EP Blood Bank were written for his now-epic (and two years old) For Emma, Forever Ago.  Not included because they didn’t fit thematically, they work here as their own separate entity.  Aching and melodic, Blood Bank is a stellar look at where Bon Iver has already been with his last release, and where he could very well go with his next.

Bon Iver – Woods (mp3) from Blood Bank EP

The Static Jacks – Laces

We found out about The Static Jacks after discovering Amie Street in May.  They were our first giveaway on the blog, and their September EP Laces showed marked improvement over their previous EPs.  Gone are the rough edges while their testosterone-fueled and handclaps version of garage rock is retained.  It’s upbeat, confident, and shows off a band ready to own their piece of stardom.

The Static Jacks – My Parents Lied (mp3) from Laces EP