Companions In Misfortune: A Brief Review Of The New EP From Cate Le Bon And Bradford Cox (Deerhunter, Atlas Sound)

The newest release in the Myths series from Mexican Summer, is Myths 004 from Cate Le Bon and Bradford Cox (Deerhunter, Atlas Sound). The EP, out on Friday, is bracing and simultaneously accessible. It is also, like everything Le Bon has touched, boldly iconoclastic but tuneful.

"Secretary" coos like something from Broadcast or Stereolab, while the more abrasive "Companions in Misfortune" is bits of beatnik jazz pushed up against the kind of thing Portishead once offered up. Elsewhere, "Constance" is percussive and as light as air, a very Eighties-style art-pop at work here, while "What is She Wearing" is longer and more obtuse. If Cate's spoken vocals mix up perfectly with Cox's rough instrumentation, the overall effect is like "The Gift" updated for the 21st century. This EP is nicely thought-out, with the efforts made here at making something artistic met with rewards for the most part thanks to Cox's mastery of these soundscapes and Le Bon's vocal prowess.

Myths 004 will be out on Friday via Mexican Summer.

More details on Cate Le Bon via her official website, or her official Facebook page.

[Photo: Driely Carter]