The first two tracks on this four-song EP (“I Come From Downtown” and “Metropolis Noir/Rigs”) have titles that nod to Tragically Hip lyrics.

No one would ever mistake Sevens Nines and Tens for a Hip tribute act, though; the band’s mastermind, David Cotton, just likes throwing in those sorts of references.

SNAT’s name was taken from a Hum song, for example, and the refrain “Hardcore will never die” (from “Dope Simple”) pays homage to Mogwai. The latter seems particularly relevant, since, like that Scottish band, Cotton’s mostly instrumental sound ranges from spacious ambiance to searingly heavy, pummelling riffs.