Chavez, cultivated in New York City in 1993, is an alternative, indie rock four-man band consisting of front man Matt Sweeney, drummer James Lo, bassist Scott Marshall and guitarist Clay Tarver. Due to Chavez’s angular, asymmetrical riffs and dramatic dynamic shifts in their tracks, they have gained and maintained a loyal and large following in the Big Apple’s underground rock scene. After roughly 20 years of dormancy, Chavez is finally set to release new material: a three-song EP titled Cockfighters, out January 13 via Matador with tracks titled “The Singer Lied,” “Blank in the Blaze,” and “The Bully Boys.”

Cockfighter’s opening track, “The Singer Lied,” sounds similar to the beginning of a Black Sabbath record with its thrash-y, distorted guitar riffs and fast-pasted heavy drumming that are very apparent in good ol’ British metal. Sweeney’s ghostly, somewhat muffled voice give the piece that classic metal feel yet is still able to preserve Chavez’s unique modern, indie-rock vibe. “The Singer Lied,” is a perfect mash of the grunge, fairly post-hardcore and indie genres.

“Blank in the Blaze,” Cockfighter’s second tune is a smoother, slower bit that starts off with a creeping, tranquil-sounding guitar and bass that progresses steadily with a quick drum roll by Lo that sounds somewhat similar to the beginning of a Tool song. Sweeney’s voice creeps in nearly a minute into the song and is more distinct and delicate than the album’s first number and allows you to really pay attention to the lyrics. “Blank in the Blaze,” has a gloomy, chilling tone throughout its entirety and would definitely not recommend anyone to listen to it while driving along a dark road in the middle of the night… unless you know, you’re into spooking yourself out. The ending is very climatic as the drumming, strumming and singing come together powerfully then soften up and fade away to conclude the song.

The record’s last song, “Bully Boys,” is the epitome of ’90s alternative-meets-modern indie rock. Raspy vocals, upbeat drums and high pitched guitar from both the bassist and guitarist smashing together make for a wonderful two-and-a-half-minute song that close out the short yet excellently crafted EP. Cockfighters is bringing the New Yorkers back into the scene of indie rock, just where they belong.