Weirdly, we have not reviewed this Brooklyn-based band before despite the fact they are solidly in the more indie rock-leaning wheelhouse of what we cover. I also do not remember them being this shoe-gaze either, which is my first impression of the opening track. Another odd thing about this album is how it was created during a time of inner turmoil for the band. It was birthed from interpersonal tension, and outside issues threatening to break them up, but it sounds like the most serene dreamy floating bliss put to sound. In fact by the second song at this languid tempo, it threatens to be too sleepy for its own good. They did however capture some stunning guitar sounds.
The first hint of something darker under the surface is not really heard until " Raining On Your Pillow". The sedate hushed murmur of vocals at times makes me think of Elliot Smith. These guys bring a thicker atmosphere to the table. The Elliot Smith-like melancholy lingers on in the title track even as the tempo picks up into a steadier forward flow. The lyrics proclaiming you can see the world with a big gun in your hand, are obviously more rooted in the current state of geo-politics. But this is the way to bring up the subject as it is so subtle.
When things break down into the strum of the guitar and the coo of the more fragile vocal emoting, the Elliot Smith comparisons also spring to life again, making me listen for the moment when this does sound like shoe-gaze Elliot Smith. The indie folk elements are well done, even though they do not play to their strength as a band Even when things pick up into more of a 90s indie rock shimmer on a song like "Reflected" there is a very restrained feel to it. When the vibe picks up on "Somber The Drums" it finds them haunting a similar sonic space that Nothing occupies when flirting with grunge, though the bass tone here is less beefed up.
Other moments are so sedate they breeze by rather than demand your attention, though there is not a moment on this album that is not well done, it just depends on the mood you are in. For if you really need to be rocked this is not going to be the album for you. However, if you are stoned and depressed more often than not they have a soundtrack for you. They make ears perk up with the ringing drone to the melody of "Soul-net". It is a simple song but it works for what they are doing here. When they step on the distortion it reminds me a little of the Cure. The album closes with a song that drifts past you in a hypnotizing manner that requires a second listen to digest what happened. I will give this album a 9, as they have some memorable songs that might otherwise just float away if left in less capable hands.
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