Bird Names has outputted music with a recording-focused methodology for four years. This newest album, "Open Relationship," represents a summit in these labors. Collaborating with producer Griffin Rodriguez (Beirut, Need New Body, Akron /Family, Man Man), Bird Names domesticate their willful sloppiness, shampooing and then combing the collateral harshness of past works. A spirit of vital rawness, core to the band, does linger, but a more considered playing of the studio enlightens what could be foggy arrangements with buoyant aural space, and crisply articulates the music's baroque imperfections.
Born of a collaboration between Dylan Ryan (Herculaneum, Michael Columbia, Icy Demons) and Scott McGaughey (Chandeliers), the Chicago group Bronze reinvents pop with a freshness and sincerity that makes a smile irresistible as well as inevitable. With a full lineup that boasts 18 of what TimeOut Chicago calls “some of the best avant-rockers in town,” Bronze commands any stage on which they appear, and this reputation is well deserved. “Calypso Shakedown” is Bronze’s first studio album, and it rocks in a way no album has done for some time, if ever. This is the bonus version and contains videos for On the Clock and Jezebel.
The Bird Names' "Wooden Lake / Sexual Diner" is not only a step towards complete futuristic annihilation or personal fulfillment (depending on how you look at it) - it also contains a heaping helping of uncured creative juice. You will want to hear for yourself the sound the Chicago Reader is saying "makes the Fiery Furnaces sound like Phil Collins."
The Diminisher's sound has always been dirty and organic, but this first "solo" record shows a further development of the organic side. Although he embraces electronics - samplers and keyboards are prevalent in his music - his sound is unmistakably living, with an almost goofy (if somewhat dark) way of carrying itself that is peculiar only to him.
The Pages' first record, and the first release ever on Unsound Records, this collection of songs originally set the pace for future endeavors of this label, and remains a lasting influence on our vision. We couldn't have asked for a better opener than what these New York kids were able to deliver.
Hanner's No Guts, No Gravy shows an uncommon depth and variety for a debut record, which have made this one a favorite with young and old alike as time wiles away. It was stirred together with care and fierce rebellion using minimal instruments and gear in a tiny apartment. We believe that one day, when seen in the light of Hanner's future works, it'll be regarded as an artifact harkening back to the birth of a creative master's long and fruitful career.