4/2 new arrivals

A post-rock standout and a few odds and ends.

Downloaded
Stars of the Lid, and Their Refinement of Decline: First new album since 2001 from the Austin drone duo, and it’s a mighty fine one. I must confess that I had never listened to SotL before — I think I had always assumed they were quirky indie pop, for some reason — but I’ve been greatly enjoying this double-disc set. The songs are very ambient, slow-moving like a Saturday afternoon, with none of the obligatory crescendos that are normally de rigueur for this sorta thing.

Efterklang, Under Giant Trees: This record feels somewhat ceremonial to me. It’s very orchestral and stately, very Serious and Important. It’s slightly distancing for those reasons, but it’s still very well done and pleasing.

Various Artists, First OK: A nice and dirty grime single from David E. Sugar and Ears. (For an explanation of exactly what grime is, check Jess Harvell’s Dozen.) Nothing earth-shattering or particularly innovative, but good enough.

We Show Up on Radar, Growing a Girl EP: I wish it were instrumental. That’s the best way I can describe this EP. Basically, the music sounds a bit Colleen/Bjork-like (sprightly music boxes, lots of treble, bass more of the snap-crackle-n-pop variety). The vocals, though, sound like some Scottish gnome warbling from the top of a purple mushroom cap while gnawing on a corn-cob pipe and auditioning for an emo-metal fusion band. Bad visions, man.

Recommended
DJ Vadim, Sound Catcher: Russian electronic artist/DJ, formerly on Ninja Tune. I haven’t listened at all, but there is this one user review: “After hearing disappointing releases by a few of my once favorite artists, it was such a relief to hear “Sound Catcher”. Not only has DJ Vadim lived up to my expectations, but I’d have to say this is in the running for one of my fav albums of ’07!”

Of Note
The Durutti Column, Sporadic Three: Vini Reilly has been around forever recording as the Durutti Column, but this one is pretty dire.

Destroyer, We’ll Build Them a Golden Bridge: Joe, who adores Destroyer, says beware of this early recording. We’ll let him say why in the comments.