Rob I. Miller – Companion Piece (Vacant Stare Records):
Very cool lo-fi, downer power-pop in the vein of Big Star and Teenage Fanclub from the Bay Area. On Companion Piece, which appears to be heavily influenced by a breakup, Rob plays most instruments while friends lend a hand, creating a comforting, warm tapestry. I thought I didn’t know Rob from Adam, but he is one-half of Flex TMG who put out an awesome disco single last year that I love. He appears to have numerous other projects, notably Blues Lawyer, so I’ll have to catch up on it and anything else his Vacant Stare label has released. Glad I took a chance on this; I bought the tape but maybe you can kick him a few bucks and cheer him up.
Sweeping Promises – Good Living Is Coming For You (Feel It Records / Sub Pop):
I pre-ordered this on vinyl and didn’t expect to receive it so soon. Sophomore album by my most listened to band/album during the pandemic. More of the same stylistically, a propulsive minimal synth-punk with soaring, anthemic vocals. Sadly this 10-track collection is not as immediately catchy or cohesive, but I look forward to seeing the new (and old!) songs live in August. On the first few listens, the B-side has more quality, with standout tracks including “Petit Four,” “Can’t Hide It,” and “Throw of the Dice” (and the title track and “Connoisseur of Salt” in the front half), but once this is available digitally I want to let it steep in the hot steam of summer. I might sound negative about this album, but you should really give this band your time.
Speaking of negative, I wrote that the currently airing season of The Other Two isn’t as good as the previous ones, but it is getting better as the season goes on. Each episode is high-concept comedy that would be considered dramatic if not for the absurd payoffs, a la Curb Your Enthusiasm. Find that show on some bullshit called Max.
