The music itself was never an issue for this indie rock duo from California, but Jonathan Rado and Sam France, through on-stage meltdowns and numerous "breakups," have had their share of "rock band" problems. Hang is the first proper "studio" LP from Rado & France, and although it seems unclear whether the non-music stuff has been worked out, the 8-tracker, arranged by Trey Pollard from Spacebomb and also Matthew E. White, is one of the strongest offerings from Foxygen. Written and produced entirely by the group, Hang features Steven Drozd of the Flaming Lips as well as Brian D'Addario and Michael D'Addario of the Lemon Twigs. Every track is backed by a 40-plus-piece orchestra, and it's important to note that the songs were recorded & mixed entirely on 2" tape; this vinyl was cut directly from the master tapes. Check out "On Landershim," "Follow The Leader," and "America" to get a sense of what it's all about.

• limited edition green vinyl
• music label: Jagjaguwar 2016

reviewed by heloim 01/2017