Categories
Calendar Picks

Friend Roulette, RITVALS, Zula, Wild Nudes


Friend Roulette is often referred to as a “chamber-pop” outfit, but that designation comes up short when you consider the level of unabashed experimentation that goes into the Brooklyn-based group’s music. The band’s new EP, Grow Younger, out on Goodnight Records, features the sort of artful-but-outré prog-pop arrangements that might make Bjork jealous, yet the music is rooted in a decidedly DIY attitude. On songs like “Just Woke Up (Fucked Up),” damaged synth lines clash beautifully with swirling strings and brash bass clarinet; the group’s “two to four drummers” provide a meaty backdrop. Vocalist Julia Tepper boasts some sneakily powerful pipes and an enviable ear for melody, as evidenced on tunes like the single-worthy “I Guess.” 

RELATED ARTICLES BY AUTHOR

  • AthFest is Canceled This Year as Coronavirus Spreads

    As the coronavirus continues to spread illness and unease throughout Georgia and the U.S., Athens suffers a significant cultural and economic blow as organizers have announced the cancellation of...
  • Five Acts to See at Ad·Verse Fest

    With an eclectic approach that mines the space between music, visual and performance art, Ad·verse Fest features an exciting, queer-centric lineup of scrappy newcomers and more road-tested acts, many...
  • Shane Parish & Sean Dail

    With the innovative North Carolina band Ahleuchatistas, guitarist Shane Parish pushed the boundaries of the early-’00s math-rock scene by incorporating international influences, as well as a healthy dose of...
  • Ruston Kelly, Valley Queen

    Specializing in a twangy, earnest brand of Americana he famously dubbed “dirt emo” in 2018, singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly made good on the term’s promise last year with the release...