Frankie Cosmos is the stage name of Greta Kline, but over time has come to represent the K Records-inspired indie rock quartet that also includes Lauren Martin (synth), Luke Pyenson (drums), and Alex Bailey (bass). Close It Quietly was recorded close to home in Brooklyn, NY with Gabe Wax, who has recently produced acts such as Soccer Mommy, Adrianne Lenker, Crumb, and Beirut. Album opener “Moonsea” is a charming revival of Stereolab’s “space age lounge music”, synth pads and texture grounded by a steady bassline and Greta’s signature vocals. The band has truly geled as a unit, allowing them to take more risks in both songwriting and technique. “Everything will sound like Frankie Cosmos because Greta has such a distinct voice (literally and figuratively). We have so much latitude to experiment with the instrumental music, and this time around we really took advantage of that.” states Luke Pyenson, “Ring of Trees” was previously featured on Greta’s solo piano LP Haunted Items, but became something else entirely in the hands of the group. “Lauren and I had the same arrangement idea without talking about it. Like, ‘let’s make this song funky. Let’s channel Orange Juice.’ We texted Greta and Alex before practice and Alex came in with a new guitar part that perfectly captured what Lauren and I heard in our heads.” “Last Season’s Textures” takes to task the accusation that the younger generation is complacent with an appropriate sense of despair - Kline notes that the song is “partly about misogyny and internalized misogyny–moments where I’ve felt betrayed by what is meant to be a safe space.” Close It Quietly maintains the sense of intimacy of past Frankie Cosmos records, but is more expressive and less reflective. This is the Sub Pop Loser Edition of the record and is pressed on pearlescent blue vinyl. 

• loser edition pearlescent blue vinyl pressing
• includes 12x24 insert
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Sub Pop 2019

reviewed by MARBLE MADNESS 09/2019