The second EP of a planned four-EP schedule, Songs About Cars, Space and the Ramones is true to its title. Where the first EP in the series, Songs from the Laundromat reflected Kevn Kinney's Southern roots, with a few blues-influenced tunes and autumnal introspection, Cars, Space and the Ramones cranks up the straightforward pop-punk of Kinney's youth. Pop-punk, however, is a tricky term, so rest assured that the emphasis here is on punk, with only catchy melodies representing the pop aspect. There are no Auto-Tuned harmonies; just impassioned playing. "Space Eyes" works out a great surf instrumental into space. The remaining tunes use The Ramones' schematic of power chords and simple, aggressive beats. "Hot Wheels" adds a little sparkly jangle. "Johnny Rides Shotgun" pushes the speed limit. The good news here is that rock 'n' roll is alive and well in 2012.