Given the title of the latest No On 15, EP Even a Trained Monkey Can Do It, one would think that perhaps the band enlisted help to add some extra energy. But no animals were harmed in the making of this CD, and the intensity comes solely from the band itself.

Hammering through six powerfilled tracks, this EP shows the band progressing its sound farther past the ska-punk title it receives.

Fueled by strong horns and driving guitars, No On 15 throws the concept of genre-mixing out the window and just has fun making whatever music comes out.

The horn parts may cause listeners to automatically associate the band with other ska acts such as Reel Big Fish.

No On 15 takes that sound to a different plain, however, a testament to the talents of trumpeter Jeremy Myers, tromboner Matt Weirauch (senior-computer science) and saxophonist Cory Smith.

Guitarist Joey Lenze, who usually shares songwriting with bassist Greg Mudzinski (junior-electrical engineering), wrote most of the songs on this EP.

The process is not in the control of one or two, however, but a collective effort between all the members and their parts, as Mudzinski explained.

"Songs evolve more than just get written," Mudzinski said.

One of the most prominent tracks on the CD is a cover of the '80s classic "99 Red Balloons." Adding the vocals of Laura Synder, the band rocks the track with horns a-blazing.

No On 15 takes the song and gives it a flavor all its own.

The title of the CD is a commentary on the almost-revolving-door drumming position that the band experienced for reasons unbeknownst to them.

"I just thought we were the most cursed band in the world," Myers said.

Drummer Carlin Brown is the fifth in the series and seemingly the last. Mudzinski said the band is feeling confident that the door will shut and the curse will end with Brown's pretense.

The intensity of a live show is condensed and packaged into this tight, 14-minute EP loud enough to keep the neighbors annoyed but fun enough to keep rockin' when the cops show up.

No On 15 not only delivers energy in its albums, but also in its live shows.

Touring has been a major part of the band's method to make itself known.

At one time, No On 15 averaged about 125 shows a year, often playing in different states in a single weekend.

Myers said the band has played in almost every state east of the Mississippi as well as some parts of Canada. Myers attested to the importance of performing as a way to focus the band.

"Playing shows have kept us going as a band," Myers said.

No future tours are planned because the band will try to concentrate on writing more material for its next full-length.

Mudzinski said the band members are very proud of this release but are still looking forward to improving themselves more. With recording tentatively planned for February, the members of No On 15 are hoping to take what they have learned and use that to make their music even stronger.

"This EP is above and beyond anything we've done before," Mudzinski said. "But we want to take it further from here. We want to do better, and we will."