CADENCE, SHOWN HERE IN THE FLYING V FORMATION. The band recorded its EP way over in Philadelphia.

Chippewa Valley pop/rock fans will want to take note of a hometown quartet of up-and-comers that go by the name Cadence. Formerly known as Motion Where You Go, this young band is starting strong by unloading a self-titled debut EP that they recently recorded in Philadelphia with Playwork Productions (whose credits include The Starting Line, Valencia, and Four Year Strong). Cadence has slated three local shows to signal the release of said EP, starting with a Feb. 19 performance at the House of Rock.

“It’s a high energy show – really upbeat,” says vocalist Hannah Connolly, who joined the band last winter. “We’re trying some new things with the stage show. It’s going to be fun.”

Started by lead guitarist Derek Hageness, bassist Derek Fassino, and drummer Adam Walker, Cadence is not only sporting a new name and album, but a new member in rhythm guitarist Travis Gallardo, originally from Orange County, Calif., who found the band through a blog post.

“The other three guys have been playing since middle school,” said Connolly. “They used to play metal, so this is a new sound for them. On this record we go from energetic feel-good jams to slow heart-felt stuff.”

Their metal sensibilities gave way to something new, and credit influences like Jimmy Eat World and Taking Back Sunday for a pop/rock sound that saw them performing last year with Ryan Cabrera and at Eleva’s Broiler Fest (two gigs that helped afford them the funds to record their EP).

    Connolly’s sweet voice is sometimes buried by a driving rhythm, but fans of the genre will love her forlorn lilt over crashing guitars when the band hits its stride. They shine on the EP’s “softer tracks” such as My Day Friend. The record’s first single, I’m Not Scared, was recently released on the group’s MySpace page.

“We were experimenting with new things and it really represents a change in our sound. It has a positive message about overcoming self-doubt that everyone can relate to,” Connolly said.

The House of Rock debut is a free show that partners Cadence with local favorites Laarks, Fast Track, and More Amore. February 20 will see the group’s second release show at the Boys and Girls Club (201 Lake St., Eau Claire) for an all-ages bash with a $5 cover. And on Feb. 24 they’ll play an acoustic gig at Infinitea Teahouse alongside Skies Alive, Fast Track, and Promise Hero.

“We are really excited about the shows,” said Connolly. “It’s a big step for the band to finally have it all pay off.”