Sophomore studio album from Oakland's The Soft Moon. Similar to the band's eponymous debut, Zeros was recorded by frontman Luis Vasquez in his apartment. The album was finished at Monte Vallier's Ruminator Audio where additional recording and mixing took place. As such, it can be looked at as Vasquez's final solo album. The music is steeped in his characteristic claustrophobic intensity, but the sound is more spacious this time around. It may be hard not to draw comparisons to his previous releases, but that is only because Vasquez's aesthetic and vision are so consistent. The vocals are still buried in the mix, providing that extra layer of tension. Vallier's touch seems to have made the individual elements standout more; bass lines are more present and the guitar's melodic lines more apt to draw you in. Zeros is a welcome addition to a catalog that seems to get better with every release. Ten tracks in all. Released by Captured Tracks on clear vinyl with a download code.

• colored vinyl
• digital download included
• music label: Captured Tracks 2012 / 2015

reviewed by Knight Surfer 06/2016