If cinematic Chicago rockers Tortoise had a little bit more Tool or Mars Volta in them, they might sound like the Alaya Conscious, a local instrumental trio featuring guitarist Evan Dunn , bassist Mike Rinkenberger and drummer Dave Robison.

Formed in the summer of 2006, the group initially planned to build a more conventional sound, but the departure of its vocalist during the recording of its first EP, "Seventy One Percent," set the musicians in a new direction, and it comes to fruition in the alternately pummeling and lulling grooves of "Red," a second EP released last week.

Several of the new tracks can be heard at www.myspace.com/thealayaconscious, or catch the band live at a benefit for Children's Memorial Hospital at Capone's, 19081 Old LaGrange Rd. in Mokena, on July 26.