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Homosapien
Homosapien

Homosapien in Bloomington, MN

Current price: $20.99
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Glasgow group
Nightshift
go in new directions on their third full-length
Homosapien
, switching their lineup and bringing new depth to their melodic post-punk with vivid instrumentation that shifts from song to song. While still centered around the vocals, songwriting, and general musical presence of
Eothen Stern
, former drummer
Chris White
switches to guitar for these songs and new drummer
Rob Alexander
takes over on the kit. This shuffled version of the group explores more complex arrangements within more streamlined song structures, and makes room for surprisingly effective guest performances on some songs as well. Tracks like "Crystal Ball" and "S.U.V." are taut, grooving numbers with steady tempos and just enough synth experimentation to add color to their guitar/bass/drums foundations. The emotionally driving "Sure Look" is elevated by overdubbed violins from
Ray Aggs
of
Sacred Paws
/
Shopping
, adding a bittersweet character to an already beautifully cloudy song.
Aggs
also plays violin on the romantic and wistful album highlight "Phone." Throughout
,
try on different hats without ever falling into the awkwardness of an ill-fitting style. They sound like a noisy punk band raging in a pub on "Your Good Self," like a surf-ready
Young Marble Giants
on "Side Effects," and stardusted and dreamy on "Mellow Baby." Every change feels natural and connected, and
's various approaches all make perfect sense on this deftly organized album. It's a fantastically summery record that hides sharp social commentary and more wintery feelings in the details of its sunny sounds, and unpacking the disparate threads is part of what makes
such a gratifying listen. ~ Fred Thomas
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