Although
Hot Apparatus does follow me on Twitter, I was aware of them before that
through working with band member Alison Dennis.
This
seemed like a good time to do the review, because they recently released a new album,
Hot Apparatus, available as a free download from Bandcamp.
There
are many other tracks available, especially via Tumblr, but I have focused my
listening primarily on the new album.
Hot
Apparatus feels very Portland, in some different
ways. One is that the vibe often tends toward the weird. By their own
descriptions they perform both psych-pop and improvisation. Not having been to
a performance yet, I don't know how the improvisation goes, but their recorded
tracks often veer far from the conventional, and are more arty. That is pretty Portland.
In
addition there is sometimes a strong retro feel. It's not all referring back to
the same era, but comes from different times and places, becoming an
appropriate soundtrack for browsing at a thrift shop. Again, that seems pretty Portland.
My
favorite track on the new album is "Disconnected", but "All I
Feel Is Yes" has a way of sticking with you. Also, Alison's sweet
vocalizations on "Astronaut" are beautiful and haunting.
Music
by Hot Apparatus is easily and freely available.
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