Living that slow life. Express Rising returns with another sublime transmission from the Windy City. The trio lead by veteran digger and Memphix-regular Dante Carfagna,weave a bittersweet tapestry of rich, melodic sounds on Fixed Rope II,  a fitting follow-up to 2015's Fixed Rope. Here reverb-drenched acoustic guitar melodies and weighty keys take the focus, with only the faintest traces of band's percussion-heavy origins remaining; like shadows at sunset. Check out the dulcet tones of "Trace Of You," the chill-inducing "Drawing Of A Lake" and "Canary Folded," or the more rhythmic "Focus Puller," "Area Man," and "Unfamiliar Lights." It's the kind of record you throw on during a hazy summer day with nothing to do but zone out with some iced tea and your significant others. 12 tracks in all with glossy photo pic sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Numero Group 2018

reviewed by XXL Bao 06/2018