On the indie rock powerhouse label of Fort Lowell, comes “Amassed Like a Rat King,” via the collaboration between JPW and Dad Weed. Firstly, 1000 points for using “amassed” as part of the title. I’m a word nerd.
Going into this, as I do with a lot of the newest rock material, I don’t really know much about the groups or projects. That actually kinda works out, as I can bounce into the album with zero assumptions outside of what the press kit says. It’s always a nice surprise, trust me. And, yes, this one was a nice surprise.
So, how does this LP sound? Fucking fantastic! Psychedelic indie rock with elements of jangle, pop and it’s certainly got its roots deep in alternative. Like, there’s a solid shot of 90s goodness resting on a foundation of modern alternative rock building blocks. This is the kinda stuff I’d surely hear on my local indie station (especially if I worked there…) or one of my local college stations. Solid. Jam on.
Lyrically, this is some good stuff. A nice mix of catchy zing and graceful pop poetry; it’s the kinda stuff you can easily sing along with, especially in the car with the windows down. Hell yeah. Makes me hungry for a follow-up LP or EP.
If I really had to compare the sound to bands I know, I’d say it’s a mix of Breeders, Primal Scream, Dinosaur Jr, Love Battery, Flaming Lips, and a dash of Arcade Fire. I mean, it’s much, much more than these comparisons, but it’s the best I can say, yeah? Just spin it yourself, and you’ll see it stand out rather nicely on its own.
This gem is pressed on green vinyl. Limited edition of 100. Get it before it’s gone.
