A while back, I was introduced to Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti by my friend Aaron Olson, a veritable rock historian and badass bassist (badassist?) of Cyrptacize. The song in question was “Helen,” and I instantly disregarded it because I didn’t understand it. What was with the flange overload and the yelping? I couldn’t instantly buy into this concoction of spooky baroque sounds. Gradually, I was won over by the chorus, which is so fun at face value. I almost want to strip the song down of all its embellishments, because I think whats hidden underneath is just solid pop song.
So, I’m excited that 4AD will release their new album, Before Today, on June 8.
Six months in the making, Before Today was recorded in part in Encino at the House of Blues (once Tito Jackson’s home studio) with Sunny Levine (Quincy Jones’ grandson) and Rik Pekkonen (Bill Withers, Seals & Crofts, Bread) as well as at the band’s home studios. The result is a beguiling mix of glam rock, West Coast funk and Merseybeat harmonies with a high-production sheen; a contrast to the corroded bedroom recordings that have fomented a fervent cult following over the past decade.
Give them a chance if you like your pop with a dose of strangeness.
