Orchestra Hits＜限定盤/Colored Vinyl＞

The fifth album from Baltimore duo Ed Schraders Music Beat continues in the dark, driving new wave/post-punk direction of their previous two records. Co-written and co-produced by longtime associate Dylan Going, Orchestra Hits reflects on experiences from youth, putting them in the perspective of the songwriters present self. Opener "Roman Candle" is based on Schraders memories of sneaking into Woodstock 99 and witnessing the onset of destruction and mayhem as fires broke out among the maddening crowd. Luckily, Schrader managed to catch a shuttle and safely escape, but the ordeal made them realize what they wanted to avoid in American society. They cathartically bellow "We are not into the garden" over a sonically detailed motorik rhythm. "Into the Knotted Trees" has a huge, anthemic chorus very much in the mode of frequent tourmates Future Islands, but with hard-edged (and occasionally more atmospheric) guitars joining the trickling synth arpeggios. The duo had attempted to make more danceable material on their previous effort, and "IDKS" sounds like an expansion of that idea, though it ends up being more restrained than several other tracks on the album. "Blue Gardener" has an urgent rhythm but a more measured vocal performance, and both "Waterfront" and "Daylight Commander" patiently arrive at their powerhouse pop choruses. "Noonday Sun" soundtracks a pleasant afternoon cruise, on a day when the vibe just feels right. Throughout their career, Ed Schrader has retained energy and spirit, even as their direction has shifted from noisy, primal blues-punk shouting to dramatic, new romantic-style crooning. Orchestra Hits reflects the sophistication of aging, and relating to the past while continuing to artistically evolve. ~ Paul Simpson