Prefuse 73 - “Rivington Não Rio” Release Date: May 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULKa3sYHOJY Electronic producer Guillermo Scott Herren’s eighth album as Prefuse 73 moves at such an erratic pace that some may find it hard to really pinpoint what exactly is going on. “Rivington Não Rio” introduces a large number of stylistic choices throughout its 11 tracks, never settling for anything more than unwieldy. The album is in constant motion and at times, it can be tough to keep up with the dizzying array of electronics on “Rivington Não Rio.” Being a tough album to pinpoint is part of the beauty with “Rivington Não Rio.” It’s not an album that asks particularly complex questions, but rather, it has the ability to elicit a contemplative and emotional response. Prefuse 73 has dabbled in hip-hop-inspired electronica, but nothing has ever sounded simultaneously peaceful and wildly chaotic. This isn’t an album that someone needs to understand completely; It’s about the feeling it creates. Recommended Tracks: “Applauded Assumptions,” “Through A Lit And Darkened Path Pts 1+2” and “Mojav Mating Call” Surfer Blood – “1000 Palms” Release Date: May 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C-5_z01Olc Surfer Blood’s last album, their sophomore effort “Pythons,” was an unfairly controversial one. Controversy surrounding lead vocalist John Paul Pitts’ arrest for domestic battery with his girlfriend at the time cast a dark shadow over the release. Though no charges were ever filed, Surfer Blood’s reputation took a serious hit. “1000 Palms,” Surfer Blood’s third and latest album, thankfully sheds the negative light cast over the band by being simply a solid album. No, “1000 Palms” is not as good as the band’s excellent 2010 debut album, “Astro Coast.” But does it need to be? This is a band who have gone from indie-rock darlings to resented outsiders. The fact of the matter is the band has returned with a solid album full of catchy songs primed for a summer drive. “1000 Palms” may not change the public’s opinion of the band, but for fans still standing by them, it’s a very welcome return. Recommended Tracks: “I Can’t Explain,” “Point of No Return” and “Covered Wagons” The Tallest Man on Earth – “Dark Bird is Home” Release Date: May 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu-BQC0e5Ck&spfreload=1 Kristian Matsson’s fourth album as The Tallest Man on Earth is his most personal yet. “Dark Bird is Home” continues Matsson’s trend of layering his music further while also progressing as a songwriter. The album was recorded in varying locations around Matsson’s native country Sweden and there’s a sense of isolation that permeates the entire record. More so than Mattson’s previous records. While The Tallest Man on Earth records have relied heavily on an acoustic guitar backing Mattson’s vocals, “Dark Bird is Home” really nails an isolated atmosphere throughout. “Slow Dance” quickly moves with folk-glee, but it’s not hard to feel a sense of desperation coming from Mattson’s voice. “Dark Bird is Home” remains as lyrically abstract as any other Tallest Man on Earth records, but Mattson has rarely sounded this haunted. Recommended Tracks: “Dark Bird is Home,” “Slow Dance” and “Little Nowhere Towns”
