A lot of musical acts try to build on the success of their early music. But for indie-rock band Yam Haus, each time they release new music is a new step in their musical evolution — particularly this time around. It’s been a half-decade, three EPs, more than a dozen singles, a lost band member, an appearance on American Song Contest and a global pandemic since the Minneapolis-based trio last put forth a major release. But now they’re back with Stupid and Famous, a seven-track EP that effectively serves as the emergence of their new rock-focused musical identity.

Helmed by award-winning mixer/producer Tony Hoffer (Beck, Phoenix, M83), Stupid and Famous is a catchy blend of indie-rock that still serves up the unforgettable hooks Yam Haus became known for, while also bringing a new level of songwriting maturity and musical complexity to their profile. With four of the seven tracks (“Rafters,” “Sandcastle,” “Stupid and Famous,” and “Shakin’ Yer Hips”) released as singles ahead of the EP, Yam Haus is quickly shedding its pop image and establishing itself as a genuine guitar-driven act. The band is growing up alongside the Gen Z audience that dove into their old music, while also allowing their personality, emotions, authenticity and humor to shine a bit more and earn an expanded audience with the new output.

But despite the sustained success on both sides of the pandemic — both digitally (15million streams, 20 million YouTube views, 2 million TikTok likes, 25k+ followers on TikTok, Instagram and Spotify) and physically (100+ shows including 50+ headlining and supporting artists like Blue October and Bishop Briggs) — Yam Haus feels like they’re just getting started. At the very least, Pruitt’s committed to the journey in ways not easily changed. “I got the band tattooed on my ass, so I’m here for the long game.”