The Reason, a Canadian five-piece rock group based in Hamilton, Ontario, has created quite a buzz across the country in the last few years following the success of their 2010 album, Fools. With their freshly released 2013 EP Hollow Tree, the band has taken its sound a step further, with catchy rock tunes that are upbeat and radio-friendly, but by no means ordinary.

The entire compilation seems to hover around a pop-punk sound, reminiscent of Fall Out Boy, and a deeper, alt-rock feel, comparable to Kings of Leon or The Black Keys. Particularly noteworthy is the third track, “Grow Up,” which incorporates maracas and a horn, offering a jazzy feel that is refreshing, especially to listeners who are somewhat tired of traditional rock. The next track, “Just So You Know,” provides contrast with a heavy beat, and stronger, darker vocals. “Drive Me Home,” on the other hand, is light, and has a tinge of folk, spurring images of speeding down the interstate with the top down; Hollow Tree is certainly varied enough to have something for everyone.

The band’s willingness to explore is evident in their third EP. This is definitely a step in the right direction for The Reason; the tunes are palatable and diverse, but the album could have used a little more of the funky brass sounds that listeners only get a taste of. The future is bright for The Reason—especially so if they embrace the quirky, unique sounds that they only occasionally tap into.