Blouse to Release Sophomore LP Imperium
via Captured Tracks Next Month
Evolution is
a tricky word when discussing current trends in music, especially when it comes
to sophomore albums. The critically lauded "BLOUSE," the 2011 debut
from the Portland band of the same name was a lush, melodic and dreamy affair
spiked with whoozy synths and delicate vocals. For "Imperium," their
2nd LP for Captured Tracks, Blouse have shed the synths, done away with drum
machines and wrote and recorded with "instruments that don't plug into the
wall," as enforced by bandmember/producer Jacob Portrait.
Sonically
speaking, that comes through on the LP immediately. Perhaps bolstered by the
ongoing construction occurring next to the studio while the record was being
made, the sense of force and urgency propelling the record is evident. Patrick
Adams' driving bass and plodding drums in the title track usher in this new
guitar-friendlier Blouse; more direct and clearer of vision, but still
mysterious and beautiful.
Jacob and
Patrick's Pacific Northwest alt-rock roots (filtered through post-punk and V/U)
are a great counterpoint to ex-pat Southern CA transplant Charlie Hilton's
Cohen/Patti/Nico singer/songwriter nature. The dichotomy of those two forces on
tracks like "No Shelter" and "1000 Years" are at the core
of Imperium. These are delicate songs from the perspective of a valley girl who
grew up with gurus and ashrams played by indie lifers on a steady diet of NEU!
It makes it all the more understandable to have showers of acoustic guitars and
(real, not synthesized) cellos interrupted by fuzz guitar.
But these
interruptions aren't a bad thing, they're what makes Imperium the great record
it is. "In a Feeling Like This" describes it perfectly, it's a
strange place that you're weirdly familiar with. Warm but also kind of spooky
and imposing, you want to stay there for longer than you're invited.
Thankfully, it's ok to flip it over and listen to it again.
Release Date: September 17th
Stream New Single // No Shelter:
Blouse || Imperium
Imperium
Eyesite
1000 Years
In A Glass
Capote
In A Feeling
Like This
No Shelter
Happy Days
Arrested
Trust Me
