Evolution is a tricky word when discussing current trends in music, especially when it comes to sophomore albums. The critically lauded BLOUSE, the 2011 debut from the Portland band of the same name was a lush, melodic and dreamy affair spiked with whoozy synths and delicate vocals. For Imperium, their 2nd LP for Captured Tracks, Blouse have shed the synths, done away with drum machines and wrote and recorded with “instruments that don’t plug into the wall,” as enforced by band member/producer Jacob Portrait.
Sonically speaking, that comes through on the LP immediately. Perhaps bolstered by the ongoing construction occurring next to the studio while the record was being made, the sense of force and urgency propelling the record is evident. Patrick Adams’ driving bass and plodding drums in the title track usher in this new guitar-friendlier Blouse; more direct and clearer of vision, but still mysterious and beautiful.
UK and EU
steve@secretlydistribution.com
North America
alisa@groundcontroltouring.com
UK and EU
clemence@atc-live.com
Jacob and Patrick’s Pacific Northwest alt-rock roots (filtered through post-punk and V/U) are a great counterpoint to ex-pat Southern CA transplant Charlie Hilton’s Cohen/Patti/Nico singer/songwriter nature. The dichotomy of those two forces on tracks like “No Shelter” and“1000 Years” are at the core of Imperium. These are delicate songs from the perspective of a valley girl who grew up with gurus and ashrams played by indie lifers on a steady diet of NEU! It makes it all the more understandable to have showers of acoustic guitars and (real, not synthesized) cellos interrupted by fuzz guitar.
But these interruptions aren’t a bad thing, they’re what makes Imperium the great record it is.“In a Feeling Like This” describes it perfectly, it’s a strange place that you’re weirdly familiar with. Warm but also kind of spooky and imposing, you want to stay there for longer than you’re invited. Thankfully, it’s ok to flip it over and listen to it again.
🚨 Ahem! 🚨 Today, we’re super excited to share our remaining CT10 releases. Say 👋 to a beautiful DIIV Covers 7″ and a final repress of Minks’ debut, By The Hedge! We’re also revealing the tracklist for our budget Label…
Check out the ethereal new Anna Alek directed music video for Blouse’s dreamy song “Happy Days” off their latest record, Imperium. Swoon.
Blouse announce a North American tour alongside fellow Captured Tracks alumni Dum Dum Girls. Follow Blouse on Tumblr to see all of their updates from the road. They made a beautifully enchanting European tour video. Watch below: Tour Dates: 03/07…
Captured Tracks turns 5 this year and, to celebrate, we are we are throwing a 2-day festival at the end of the summer. The 2-day outdoor festival will be held August 31st and September 1st at The Wick with performances…
We are pleased to announce the release of Blouse’s sophomore album, Imperium, out September 17th. Download and enjoy the first single now and enjoy our interview with the band below. What does Imperium mean to the sound of the new…
We asked Charlie Hilton of Blouse to interview Dee Dee of Dum Dum Girls. Below are the results! Charlie: The beach or the forest? Dee Dee: They coexist in Big Sur. C: Sunrise or sunset? DD: It really depends. Sometimes…
