Nothing is more impressive than a meticulous attention to detail. Whether it be pinterest-inspired art installations adorning freshman dorms or the complexity woven into sand-worn hieroglyphics, within details we see each other’s true creativity. The records this week decorate their sonic spaces differently, but each new release invites us into a different nook of our world. Take a peek.
Flamingods’ new record “Majesty” is a 41 minute celebration. The quintet hails from Bahrain, and their music is a hodge-podge of instruments from around the globe. The titular first cut from “Majesty” immediately dives into a deep pool of exotic sounds. Electric guitar swims with non-western percussion as band-leader Kamal Rasool sings through thick auditory layers. The record is opaque, sometimes it’s hard to comprehend everything that’s going on. You can’t quite grasp it, it’s not a simple pop track but a psychedelic experience akin to Animal Collective.
“Gojira” is the most rock n roll song on “Majesty,” however even its fuzzy lead guitar lines are paired with polyrhythmic drumming and bright background instruments. Even more atmospheric is the back half of the record. The Beatles surely had some of these sounds running through their mind when constructing their late-era recordings. Step into a dazzling world of psychedelic pop with “Majesty,” the new record from Flamingods.
Pascal Pinon is two icelandic twins with a taste for melancholy. Their new record “Sudur” hits many of the same chords as Sufjan Stevens’ “Carrie & Lowell,” but with an icelandic twist. For this record, they worked with Alex Sommers (producer and partner for our ethereal prince Jónsi). “Sundur” is cold and sparse, only a couple instruments join the twins on their lonely endeavor. Their voices are gorgeous and emotive, let these sisters take you by the hand for a long, somber, beautiful journey.
Finally, Creative Adult thrives in a dark, ominous cavern. While recording new record “Fear of Life,” interpersonal tensions within the band were pushed to their limit, even so far as to drive vocalist Scott Phillips to a different studio to record vocal takes. The stress is felt throughout the record: although Creative Adult cite Oasis and Spacemen 3 as major influences, gloomier acts like Protomartyr and Interpol feel closer to “Fear of Life’s” vibe. The new record was released through Run For Cover Records, fans of the label will definitely dig “Fear of Life.” Bookending the release are two 8-minute bangers that fuse punk with touches of stadium rock. Although making “Fear of Life” seems like it was a traumatic experience, we can all reap the benefits together.
Catch all three of these releases on Radio 1190 KVCU this week, and dive into three worlds quite different than Boulder.
by Elijah Jarocki