Sophomore full length from S U R V I V E on Relapse. The Austin-based synth quartet are best known for penning the soundtrack to the Netflix hit Stranger Things, which garnered them world wide fame and acclaim. On RR7349, they apply their neo-vintage horror score aesthetic to a full album of original material that flexes their mastery over analog synths. It's an epic listening experience from beginning to end, filled with sweeping synthesizer movements, tense melodies, meditative ambience, and driving, rhythmic beats. Hear for yourself on the brilliant album opener "A.H.B.," or the heavy plodding "Wardenclyffe." Tracks like "Sorcerer" and "Low Fog" take a non-percussive approach, letting the listener get lost in a sea of ominous analog waves. It's obvious why the Duffer Brothers tapped these dudes to score the show. 9 tracks in all with download card included.

• printed insert
• digital download included
• music label: Relapse 2016

reviewed by twelve-sided 10/2016