I’ve been meaning to check out this single for a while but hadn’t gotten around to it due to some cat/housesitting obligations.  “I Can’t Lose” finds a more melodic direction for Obits with tasty guitar forged hooks and a personal verve delivered within a fairly up-tempo three and a half minutes.  “Military Madness” is a slightly slower track that rocks with a simmering intensity and an almost Stones-y feel (in the best sense of that word).  The direction seems a little bit of a surprise given the more frenetic vibe of their debut seven-inch, but Obits manage to further define their sonic attack and produce what would be some of 2009’s catchiest rock tracks. The songs here aren’t on their debut album so you may want to pick this up.  (BOONE)

(vinyl on Sub Pop.  Download on Comedy Minus One)