We get a lot of crap CDs at the self-titled offices. But once in a while, a pleasant surprise slips into our promo stack. Here’s a recent delivery that knocked the s/t staff on its collective ass.
The Artist/Album: Animal Hospital, Memory (Barge Recordings, 2009)
The Vibe: One-man’s quest to be the next Mogwai, although there’s more to Memory than post-rock peaks and valleys. Kevin Micka also also delivers music box melodies (“Good Times”), sanctuary-sized symphonies (“His Belly Burst”), dovetailing drone chords (“And Ever…”), and pure tone poetry (the title track).
RIYL: Sun-stroked afternoons by the sea; long-lost yearbooks; watching it all fade away