A Place to Bury Strangers, “Pinned”I’ve mentioned a time or two just how much I look forward to spring and the onslaught of releases, which happen just prior to the rigors of incessant summer touring. This week brings many a worthwhile title, including fresh jams from King Tuff and The Moondoggies. For those who still relish the tangible, handheld medium, swoop these and you will not be disappointed. In 2018, the most assured way to support your favorite artists and bands is catch them on tour. While there, buy merch. This puts money directly in their pocket. With the advent and proliferation of digital music consumption and file sharing, the possibility of making any money off cd/vinyl sales has long since passed. Sadly, that trickles down to the impending death of brick-and-mortar indie record stores, which drives a stake into what’s left of my cold, black heart. So, if you cannot see your favorite so and so on tour, head to your nearest record store and do your part.
A Place to Bury Strangers (APTBS) returns with their fifth proper full-length of dark, heavily-saturated squall-art noise. Oliver Ackermann’s blistering guitars are soaked in acute reverb, while Dion Lunadon’s thudding bass is tasteful and propulsive, coupled with backing vocals and fierce drumming from Lia Simone Braswell. Back in 2007, when I was first introduced to what would become a favorite band of mine, APTBS were known as “the loudest band in New York.” While that has in no way changed with respect to their live show, their studio album progression is near perfection. “Pinned” is, without a doubt, one of the finest records of the year. Play this loud, play this often. Do whatever you can to catch them at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe on Tuesday, June 5. Do yourself a solid and do not forget the earplugs.
“Pinned” is available Friday, April 13, via Dead Oceans on compact disc and standard vinyl. Pre-order direct from the label for a bevy of limited edition bundle variations that include the “Brainwashing Machine Edition” of the album on double cd or double hot pink vinyl LP, an album art vinyl slipmat, guitar strap, and even a custom-made Death By Audio guitar effects pedal. Holy hot damn.
Recommended for fans of Psychocandy-era Jesus and Mary Chain, The Soft Moon, Joy Division, Suicide, Black Rebel Motorcycle Cub, Spacemen 3, The Black Angels, Dead Moon, or My Bloody Valentine.
Jon E. Lynch[email protected]
