One of this week's most slept-on records is likely High Reality from Rusty Santos. The Animal Collective producer and Panda Bear collaborator is a fine artist in his own right. This release, out as of yesterday, is immaculately produced and realized, and full of bright tunes that are built on the best bits of American indie of recent years.
"Dream in Stereo" opens things with a flavor like Yoshimi-era Flaming Lips, while "Master Zodiac" marries that new psychedelia with a vocal delivery like Gibbard's in The Postal Service. Wisely, Santos doesn't oversell this stuff, such that a track like the quieter "Kick Out The Spirit" really wins hearts with its easy charm. All of High Reality has a vaguely futuristic vibe, but it's not entirely forced. Even "Symbolic", a cut that faintly echoes not only the Lips but Grandaddy, seems still distinct enough to please. And most of this hits a similar vibe.
High Reality by Rusty Santos is out now on Lo Recordings.
[Photo: Atiba Jefferson]