On their eponymous extended play, the Eric Bee churns out boozy blues-rock tinged with gospel, country, and a double dose of soul. Namesake Eric Bee proves a versatile and compelling frontperson, howling over crackling riffs and bubbling organ on “I’m the Dog,” and cutting through the whimsical horn section and piano melody of “Tomorrow’s Skin Cancer.” “Even though I don’t believe in a God, I understand what he intends,” sings Bee on plaintive closer “Light in a Cave,” turning the raucous heat down to a glowing ember.

***.5

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