The Atlanta band DEERHUNTER's second album & Kranky Records debut may confound some. First of all, Kranky hasn't released all that many rock records over the years & this record definitely 'rocks.' For the fans of rock, DEERHUNTER's occasional travels into STARS OF THE LID, LABRADFORD droning expanse might seem abrupt or distracting. Fortunately the band handles this musical schizophrenia expertly & they've managed to create a record that actually combines these contrasting styles almost perfectly. The pop songs are probably what will grab most people hovering in early 80's ROUGH TRADE, 90's shoe gaze/brit-pop/psychedelia ala RIDE or DISCO INFERNO with some moments of 90's indie rock such as YO LA TENGO or 18TH DYE. There's certainly some elements of the late 70's Manchester post-punk scene as well with the rhythm section carrying the bulk of some songs with sparse lead guitar parts over top very much like early JOY DIVISION. The record seems to get better with each listen so why not burn one and get comfy with your heard phones? It's going to be a long winter & this record should help you out. Vinyl comes in a nice gatefold jacket!

DEERHUNTER is back in 2015 with the fantastic "Fading Frontier." There's really no messing around on this one & what we get is an incredibly efficient, tight collection of really well conceived indie rock songs. The bass guitar really shines on this record, driving the light & airy songs that seem to just float around in the air while you're listening. DEERHUNTER hasn't really made a bad album yet but this really is one of their best records for sure. VERY RECOMMENDED.

2010 is going to go down as a great year for music, if for nothing else than this record. DEERHUNTER have been hinting at a truly unforgettable record for a while now: that elusive "classic" that this generation will have a hard time generating, now that music has as much value as the customer is willing to pay. Here is that classic - simple but not simplified songs, with the usual noise bursts played down, decorated tastefully with reverb and orchestrated beautifully. Repeated listening will reveal richer sonic and lyrical detail - this is one to obsess over. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!

DEERHUNTER'S Kranky debut made quite a stink a few years back & the band seems to get more positive press than pretty much any band. This album has been floating around the internet for over 6 months now but that hasn't dispelled any excitement for the physical release. This might seem like a lot to live up to but DEERHUNTER has delivered with "Microcastle." This album seems more focused than "Cryptograms" perhaps because the droney parts on that album, though interesting seemed like 'filler' at times. The band hasn't really changed their sound, we suppose you can say that they've just perfected it. With hints of 90's Brit-pop bands such as RIDE, JESUS & MARY CHAIN & STONE ROSES & late 90's indie rock, DEERHUNTER make it sound ever so effortless. This second pressing features the artwork from the CD version plus the "Weird Era Continued" record that was originally only available as a bonus cd for the original LP release. In case you're wondering, "Weird Era..." is arguably just as good as "Microcastle."

2013 & second release on 4AD from Atlanta's DEER- HUNTER! The way this band can seamlessly transition between skronk-ed out noise rock & the prettiest pop-rock tune you've ever heard is beyond our comprehension. There's a good amount of blown- out guitar on this record, but the songs are front & center on "Monomania," & sounds like the band is reigning in their more drone-y aspects in favor of their obvious songwriting chops. Surprisingly upbeat & very easily RECOMMENDED!

In the 60's, it wasn't uncommon for bands like say THE BEATLES to release three albums in one year, nowadays, most bands are lucky if they release one album in three years. This is the fourth DEERHUNTER related release in the past year (including LOTUS PLAZA) & the band shows no sign of slowing up. The e.p. is mostly upbeat with early 90's Brit-pop isms & overblown, 60's girl group production. This is a logical exclusion to "Microcastle" & if they had released "Microcastle" as a boxset like RADIOHEAD did with "In Rainbows" this would be equivalent to the bonus disc included in that set. Another solid release from one of the best bands around right now.