You can't stop a mammoth. Especially a rock 'n' roll mammoth led by singer-guitarist Daniel Carriere and bassist Sandy MacKinnon.

Royal Tusk is the name of their beast. It's a shaggy, tenacious force with hints of Americana, soul, and a whole lot of heart. Their first six-song EP, Mountain, is due out June 10 on Hidden Pony Records. You could say the title refers to the pair's immovable friendship, but it's also a cheeky nod to their persistence as musicians; not even a mountain can deter Royal Tusk.

You can hear the fun and excitement on Mountain, produced by Gus Van Go (The Stills, Said The Whale, Hollerado). Even when Royal Tusk is tackling heartache, regret or indecision, their songs seem to burst with joy. FInd bubbly organs, soulful grooves, elasticized riffs, and Carriere's warm, but defiant vocals on tracks such as the group's first singles, “Shadow of Love” and “The Letter”.

With a cross-Canada tour lined up, Carriere and MacKinnon will once again get in the van and continue pushing forward.

Nope, you really can't stop a mammoth.