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On the Record: Purity Ring, the Gaslight Anthem, thenewno2 and More

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Aug. 1, 2012

Purity Ring
Shrines
(4AD)

Sounds Like: Synthy and icy electronic music with R&B flavors from Canada, much like their label and countrymate, Grimes, but with more complexity and sophistication.

Free Association: The lost little girl-meets-grimestep thing might be getting a bit old.

For Fans Of: Tricky x Lykke Li, Braids + Salem, Zola Jesus, electro forest nymphs.

The Gaslight Anthem
Handwritten
(Mercury)

Sounds Like: The follow-up to 2010’s excellent American Slang is not quite as immediate and mature. This one’s a bit slower, sadder and not nearly punk enough.

Free Association: Are they trying to sound like Bruce Springsteen meets Pearl Jam?

For Fans Of: Titus Andronicus + The Hold Steady, Against Me!, earnest male sadness.

Micachu and the Shapes
Never
(Rough Trade)

Sounds Like: Truly bizarre sounds from England that blend beats, found sounds, weird percussion and created instruments which sometimes find moments of beauty.

Free Association: A completely challenging but often surprisingly rewarding listen.

For Fans Of: Ariel Pink x Young Magic, creepy Animal Collective, truly artsy indie rock.

thenewno2
thefearofmissingout
(Hot Records)

Sounds Like: An evolving supergroup (pronounced “the new number two”) with George Harrison’s son, Dhani, at the fore, creating ambient, trippy and glitchy noisepop.

Free Association: Don’t let the dumb names fool you. It’s a pretty compelling record.

For Fans Of: Radiohead + Gorillaz x Brian Eno, Silversun Pickups, all things Beatles.

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