Among the scores of bands on hundreds of campuses across the country, Orange Television sets itself apart with a blend of rock and funk that approaches the better qualities of progressive rock, no sweeping majestic compositions just hard rocking tunes with proficient and intricate playing.

The Amherst, Mass., based trio mixes elements of blues and jazz into its melodic and involved riffs, unusual rhythms and a decided accent on the instrumental and improvisational side to its songs. In fact, sometimes it seems the songs exist simply to push the musical side of the compositions further along.

Still, the group’s songwriting skills are more than capable and guitarist Howie Feibusch’s vocals make up for any minor technical shortcomings with an impassioned delivery.

The band’s recently released five-song EP One Old Fashioned Donut, written by the trio, shows off all these sides of the group and can be heard at either ReverbNation or MySpace.

The opener, Slave With Neon Blood begins with a riff reminiscent of early Jethro Tull but quickly transitions to a funky groove riding under Feibusch’s vocal. Another shift in direction brings on a long musical interlude showing off Feibusch’s combination of technically adept and creative riffing and improvisational skills over an almost spooky sounding rhythm laid down by bassist Myles Heffernan and drummer Alex Lombardi.

The Tortoise begins with an infectious jazz-based riff that gives way to an almost fusion-like line opening into the verse. On first listening this tune is typical of many of songs, which give the listener little time to settle into one groove before another takes over in a series of quick and continual shifts in direction. The middle section features one of Feibusch’s best solos as he uses a variety of guitar tones switching from a clean jazz sound to a biting lead and finally working in a taste of wah-wah as the solo peaks.

The band is at its hard rock best with the opening lines of Myles Song that alternate between measures of four and six. Feibusch returns to the wah-wah for his solo as Heffernan and Lombardi burn underneath.

Give has a moderate tempo, jazzy feel with one of the group’s best melodies and one of Feibusch’s best vocals. The tune relies more on rhythm playing than riffing but it does feature a funky line between the verses that combines a rhythm part with a distinctive riff. The middle section gives some room for Heffernan to stretch out with funky double stops in answer to Feibusch’s guitar lines.

The band’s inventive riffing is no more obvious than on the closer The Preacher with a complicated line in the verse. Again this track is one of the strongest melodically and Feibusch’s vocal suits it perfectly. His solo brings back memories of some of the best late ’60s trio improvisations, using a delay on the lead to good effect.

For a band that has been together a mere few months, Orange Television is a remarkably creative, tight and cohesive unit. Feibusch hails from Long Island while Heffernan is from Worcester and Lombardi Chelmsford. They’ll be in the Amherst area for at least part of the summer with tentative shows in Hartford and possibly central Connecticut.