Jensen Serf Co. play New World Brewery in Ybor City, Fla. on April 7, 2012. | Photo by: Nicole Kibert ©

If you were wondering what happened to Michael Christmas, then we’ve got something of an answer for you.  The short version is that they still exist, just under a new name — The Jensen Serf Company (JSC).

Singer/drummer Benjamin Saylor offers a simple explanation, when asked about the switch.  “Michael Christmas was never really supposed to be a permanent name,” he said in a message to SubAp!  “We had plans to change it, but we just got asked to play a ton of shows .”

LOOK: JENSEN SERF CO. AT NEW WORLD BREWERY 04.07.12

Well, they finally got around to renaming themselves and have even recorded some new music in the form of a split cassette which saw release in March via up-and-coming Nashville-based imprint Sturdy Girls.  The five-song set finds Saylor — along with guitarist Peter Kokkinakos — treading familiar sonic territory, but their echo-drenched, lo-fi garage rock gets an update with songs that are both more melodic (“Johnny Panic”) and heavy (“Billly Don’t”) than ever before.

Have a listen to the set below, then have a digital spin of the split’s other side by clicking here.  A free download of “Johnny Panic” can be had here, and if you’re not into physical product, then digital files can be yours at Bandcamp.  If you want a tape, then email the band directly.

Jensen Serf Co. – Split EP (w/ New Pleasure) Tracklist:
01. Johnny Panic
02. Clean Air
03. Billy Don’t
04. Lido Beach
05. York Ski