Patrick Ramos and James Baluyut of Versus are also in +/- (Plus/Minus) and after what seemed like a long time away, they're back. Further Afield, with a cover designed by Mark Robinson of Unrest, Air Miami, and Teen-Beat Records, is the new record. And a listener could be forgiven if they thought that glory days of Nineties college rock were upon us again.
The best +/- (Plus/Minus) stuff works up a head of steam behind a driving hook. This is sleek music, with a force that's contagious. "Driving Aimlessly (Redux)" purrs like a well-oiled machine, the vocals the only thing that keeps this from being a fast Kraftwerk tune. Elsewhere, the rhythmic churns of "Borrowed Time" charm immensely, as do the Can-like inventions of "Gondolier", a real highlight here. Even with those tracks which favor a robust forcefulness, there's room for introspectiion here on Further Afield. "Where I Hope We Get Lost" is mournful and affecting, centered around a keyboard figure rather than a guitar or drum hook, while "The Pull from Both Sides" modulates in intensity as the song builds. "Calling Off the Rescue", the lead single here, does appeal in a way that suggests the best material from Versus but with a smoother production.
The entirety of Further Afield engages on its own modest terms. This isn't a Versus record, but there are sonic similarities that will make Versus fans feel right at home. This band invests so much thought to the textures and rhythms of these songs that this +/- (Plus/Minus) record would also work without vocals. Those, however, do add real emotion and warmth to the vibe here. And the juxtaposition between the smooth, propulsive music and the yearning voices is what gives Further Afield its strength.
Further Afield by +/- (Plus/Minus) is out now via Ernest Jenning Record Co.
[Photo: Andrew Bordwin]