I’ve been wondering what had happened to Late Of The Pier. They were one of the most interesting new bands in the country for a while, and then they seemed to disappear.
Well, it turns out they are resurrecting their label, the fantastically-named Zarcorp. Their latest release is All Of This, a new EP from Hot Horizons. It is a strange, oppressive record. Listening to it is a bit like being sat on; thick waves of synth and moments of discordance make it quite an uncomfortable experience, but in all the best ways. Comparisons have been made with Grizzly Bear but, while there are harmonies aplenty, the deadpan vocals and minimalist percussion make this a much starker, less pastoral affair.
‘The Joiner’s Arms’ is the standout track from the EP. A slow, lurching song, it is built around a simple guitar loop, austere drumming, and a singularly unsettling vocal refrain. The maturity of this band’s songwriting is demonstrated by their avoidance of a ‘big ending’ – a temptation that would be too much for other acts. The EP is out on Zarcorp on 9 May.
http://soundcloud.com/tlobf/hot-horizons-the-joiners-arms
Sign up to Best Fit's Substack for regular dispatches from the world of pop culture