Grade: B+

When Chon first hit the progressive scene in 2008, they were just teenagers from California. But after a five-year wait, the San Diego-based instrumental four-piece made waves again with their new EP “Newborn Sun.” The band continues to blend elements of metal and psychedelic music into a playful, feel-good sound. “Fluffy” and “Dew” are the highlight tracks on the EP, characterized by jumpy guitar sweeps and melodies.

Guitar virtuoso Mario Camarena displays his six-stringed wizardry, concocting one delicious riff after another. While it’s easy to get completely caught up in Camarena’ face-melting guitar duels with bandmate Erick Hansel, one can’t ignore the underlying but complex bass and drum grooves.

Most instrumental bands get filed in the folder labeled “background music,” but some active listening is required to comprehend the foursome’s true genius.