The Copper Smoke Trials, a group comprised of four UNI students, has released their first EP, entitled “Bird,” available now on SoundCloud. The group’s members include: Clayton Ryan (vocals, guitar),  Kyler Boss (drums), Andy Braught (bass) and Andrew Teutsch (keyboard, organ).

Although “Bird” doesn’t have one story or theme, the EP’s five songs are sonically held together through a skillful blend of progressive rock, blues and jazz.

Each song addresses a different aspect of life — whether it be a meditation on the things we value, the constant struggle with one’s identity or how youth are being raised today. Consequently, this album is steeped in emotion.

And yet, despite how heavy the songs may seem, “Bird” manages to soar to a hopeful tone, thanks in large part to talented composition and playing. The vocals are captivating, and the composition is refined. Clearly, The Copper Smoke Trials has members with musical finesse.

However, some songs try to accomplish too much, as sound changes prove distracting at times. This is representative of a slight lack of cohesiveness seen both within and between songs.

The more rock-based songs, like “Bird” and “Teach Them to Kill,” border on being too raucous. These songs’ mix of vocals and instruments was overwhelming in comparison to the smoother tone taken by songs like “Wishful Thinking” and “Better Off Home.”

Songs also feel lagging at times; I found myself waiting for an “oooh” to end here and there.  With that being said,  each song on “Bird” does have an element of surprise.

Take “Bird,” the first song on the album. This song is long — much longer than Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which it mirrors by incorporating different sections within itself.

The song begins with heavy piano and a solemn vibe and ends with a keyboard-driven funk feel. The switch hits about halfway through, but the song could have benefitted from picking one energy. In short, there was a level of cohesiveness that wasn’t met.

“Shake!” turns the EP on its head. This song is simply fun. The beginning bass line commands attention and prompts head nods to the beat.

“Bird” may have inspired a somber feeling in its listeners, but “Shake!” immediately inspires movement and energy. Lyrics like, “Lightning at your lips/Thunder at your hips/Burning hot like coal” make the song the liveliest on “Bird.”

“Wishful Thinking” is clearly a song borne out of pain, as its first lyrics indicate: “Well I spend my time/Doing too much heavy sighing/And a whole lot of lying to myself.”

Ryan manages to describe feelings most people know well but can’t find the words for. Despite its melancholy start, Ryan ends the song with a hopeful upswing, both in lyrics and sound. The vocals and piano are beautifully paired, and the intonation is impressive.

“Better Off Home” concludes the album with a heavy, romantic feel. Led by blues, jazz and a bit of rock, this song is about returning to what really matters to us. A featured saxophone solo gives the perfect amount of mellow cool. The vocals are full of emotion, ending with the repeated “I say/You’re better off home.”

Whatever the song, this EP has excellent vocals and instrumentals. Much like a good movie, listening to the songs another time will allow you to enjoy different elements that you didn’t first see.

It is a dream in motion for its members, and the passion flows through the music. If you want to listen to more than what’s available on SoundCloud, The Copper Smoke Trials will be having many live performances in the coming weeks; check out their Facebook page for more information.