Minus Story rock the
lo-fi, psychedelic
indie rock on their third release,
The Captain Is Dead, Let the Drum Corpse Dance, out on
Jagjaguwar. To say that the record is completely
lo-fi is not entirely correct;
Minus Story seem to be experimenting in the studios of
The Ministry of Love in Lawrence, KS, and
The Christus House & the Shop in Boonville, MO. This record is a mix of
lo-fi and high production elements that make up a psychedelic '60s sound that reminds of projects from the
Elephant 6 collective such as
Olivia Tremor Control,
Circulatory System, or
Of Montreal.
"The Happy Activist" rocks a raw indie
punk that rises above as a highlight out of the record and drives along with confidence and heat behind the beat, while maintaining a groove and a warble to keep it trippy. Throughout
The Captain Is Dead, Let the Drum Corpse Dance many instruments build up lush layers to enhance the epic nature of the record as a whole -- pianos twinkle, big drums pulse, and backward guitars swirl, rooting
Minus Story to the likes of '60s
psychedelic pop,
Smile-era
Beach Boys, and modern influences like
the Flaming Lips. There definitely exists a fog on top on this record --
Minus Story switch out of the clean production to the haze and back within the different layers.
"Joyless, Joyless" seems to be a good example of this
new wave, angular vibe with a lingering haze over the
Gang of Four spirits and then out to the clean hook. When it seems like you may be reaching clarity, the fog comes back in the form of a processed bass, affected keyboard to enhance the melody carried by the vocals, or a reverbed snare or bass drum.
The Captain Is Dead, Let the Drum Corpse Dance has something for everyone -- especially, if you want to let loose and let your mind wander to the drug of
Minus Story. ~ Francis Arres
