Express Rising: Fixed Rope II Vinyl LP

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 bittersweettapestry of rich, melodic sounds onFixed Rope II, afitting follow-up to 2015’s Fixed Rope. Here reverb-drenched acoustic guitar melodies and weighty keys take the focus, with onlythe faintesttraces of band’s percussion-heavyoriginsremaining;likeshadowsat sunset. Check out the dulcet tones of “Trace Of You,” the chill-inducing “Drawing Of A Lake” and “Canary Folded,” orthe 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 withsome 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

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