4AD, 2005
From the nearly-manic opening strains of cello in what is both the first and title track, "Dilaudid," the strength of The Mountain Goats download-only Dilaudid EP becomes readily apparent. Continuing from this excellent introduction with the well paced "This Year," The Mountain Goats offer a preview, of sorts, of their soon-to-come album, The Sunset Tree, and what a preview it is!
The final track of the EP is a reprise of "Dilaudid," though with one key difference: the cello has been replaced by an electric guitar. Dubbed "Dilaudid (Marrtronix Version)," this version of the track is interesting, but not nearly as intriguing as the original. It is certainly not a bland track, by any means, it pales in comparison to the multiple (two, at least) instances of cello played by one Erik Friedlander.
The unique vocal stylings of John Darnielle are easily identified, his clear, slightly nasally voice powering across the music to send the lyrics into the world. This is, inherently, a risky strategy for any group of musicians, but The Mountain Goats pull it off not only with what appears to be ease, but also with an unmistakable style.
While Dilaudid EP may primarily be a preview of things to come from The Mountain Goats, it provides for an ultimately pleasurable listening experience, and, despite the fact that it is only four tracks in length -- three, subtracting the rehashed "Dilaudid (Marrtronix Version)" -- this is, quite simply, an interesting and genuine work of art.