Arbouretum "Let It All In (Thrill Jockey)"
From Thrill Jockey:
Arbouretum’s mystic folk-rock collapses a continuum of 20th century music into decidedly classic song structures. English folk, country blues, Americana and 70s psychedelia all serve as touchpoints in their singular and distinctive sound. The Baltimore-based band have perfected the craft of storytelling using the delicate interplay of melodies and prosaic lyrics to tell vivid stories that engage the listener and transport them the way an immersive novel would. Let It All In stands as their most accomplished and evocative album to date. Guitarist and vocalist Dave Heumann’s melodies and solos still remain a central focus bolstered by the hypnotic rhythms of bassist Corey Allender and drummer Brian Carey and enhanced by Matthew Pierce’s substantial yet understated keyboard figures. Each song is a vivid scene or tale; meticulously detailed and crafted, transporting the listener to another world and time.
Check out “A Prism In Reverse.”
Fotocrime "South Of Heaven"
Look, if the man wants to talk about his music, then who am I to stop him, right? If the enigmatic R (sources tell us R is actually Ryan of Coliseum) of Fotocrime says ” “This is a record for late night drives, a soundtrack for headlights illuminating the horizon. I’ll make music until the end of my days, with or without a listener, but I’m happy to have a passenger for the ride into the dark.” of the new album South Of Heaven then why wouldn’t I just repeat that helpful bit here for all of you? Get ready for a new wave/dark wave synth-y power cruise with this moody record. Check out the eerie “Love Is A Devil.”
Yumi Zouma "Truth Or Consequences (Polyvinyl)"
Oh man, if you like your pop records nearly perfect, covered in an ‘80s-esque early-digital sheen but also complete with modern turns, and filled to the brim with jangly, bouncy, art-pop then you are gonna LOVE the new LP from Yumi Zouma. Truth Or Consequences may be their third release, but its the first one for Polyvinyl which makes it number one in our hearts! (Can you tell I’m writing this blurb the week of Valentine’s Day?) Whether it’s the bouncy (uh oh, a second use of bouncy) “Cool For A Second” or the jangly (AAGH! SECOND JANGLY) balladeering of “Truer Than Ever” there isn’t a bad place to start here. So start already!
