Don't be hornswaggled, Britpop fans; even though young singer-songwriter Howie Day may sound like he's descended from the lineage of tortured, melodic British souls like Badly Drawn Boy, Coldplay, Radiohead, etc., he's actually a Yank. Regardless of national origin, Day managed to make a name for himself opening up for both US and UK acts and releasing a 2000 debut album that was later reissued when he got a major-label deal. Though this five-song EP (plus bonus DVD) is Day's first recording for Epic, there's no big-budget overproduction here. Wisely, things are kept sparse, spotlighting Day's fragile, emotive voice, and highly tuneful, gentle songs. The two live songs that close THE MADRIGALS showcase the unique solo approach Day employs in concert; inspired by Joseph Arthur, he uses digital delays to set up sonic elements to play over, all just using his own voice and guitar.