Slow Caves perform ‘2Hrs!’

Slow Caves perform “2Hrs!” at Second Story Garage in Boulder, Colorado.

Slow Caves have an image, and that’s a great advantage when you’re a new band. Identity usually comes slow and by default in the textbook cycle of band life. But it came almost from the outset for this Fort Collins quintet, and its SoCal sheen, youthful swagger and skateboard cool seem, if not intentional, at least immediate to the project.

Slow Caves released their debut, self-titled EP in June. The four-song effort has the band exploring various synth-punk moods with a tendency toward minor chords and, despite a “who gives a damn” outlook, paying attention to songcraft. It’s supposed to be the “soundtrack to the greatest movie you’ve never seen,” according to the band. Saturns, which Slow Caves released as a single in March, is the leadoff track, and it’s a standout.

Singer Jakob Mueller opts against getting in your face. He lets the band as a whole do that while he gives words to the message. He’s backed by his brother Oliver on guitar and synth, David Dugan on guitar, Jake Lyon on bass and Jackson Lamperes on drums. When they performed in the Garage they played “Saturns,” “2Hrs!” and “Glares.” Then they had an enlightening conversation with Quentin.

What they brought us: A life-size cardboard cutout of Josh Brolin from the movie theater where Oliver Mueller works.

Sign up. Don’t miss out! Sign up for the Second Story Garage newsletter to keep up with local music news — show announcements, ticket sales information, previews, interviews and even an opportunity to sit in on a Second Story recording session. Sign up here.