“I’m exhausted/I’m a faker/I’ve been giving to the taker,” so sings Perry Brown on Troy-based Fire Mountain’s second EP, Of the Dust. The lyrics represent the quiet desperation felt throughout the entire release.

“On this EP we really had time to sit down and work through moods and parts for it. Also working with [Tennessee singer/ songwriter] Arthur [Alligood] helped out the process a lot. It really helps to have such a great songwriter working with us to help get the songs locked in. I feel like our harmonies and playing have gotten tighter and more precise as well,” said Brown of the release.

Of the Dust continues to expand on the band’s first EP, Liars’ Cup, featuring a signature blend of Americana folk/rock that takes inspiration from bands and songwriters such as Ray Lamontange, Wilco, Damian Rice, and Fleet Foxes. All of the songs exude a fluidity of lyrics and musical composition.

The aforementioned desperation holds true in songs such as “Black Heart” and “Fade,” which also deals with youthful trials and coming of age (“At 16, you’re prepared for things/One of them sure ain’t death”). The harmonies on “Ghost” are flawlessly accented by Bryan Seagraves’s piano fills, which also add a subtle flair on “Torch”. The final number, “Why Can’t I Stay?”, has been introduced as the band’s “country song” at shows, and this alt-country number could find itself on any of Wilco’s early recordings.

Of the Dust and other Fire Mountain recordings can be found at www.firemountainband.com. The band will be headlining at Bottletree Cafe on Thursday, December 8th. Other acts include Dragonflies, Amacio Favor, and Applespacebar. Doors for this 18-and-up show open at 8 P.M. and the cost is $7.