I figured with my previous show being devoted to songs that remind me of sleep, this one would be the opposite. After a few bouts of standard indie rock, things got thick and loud.

A shout out to my buddy Brett, for tuning in from Sedro-Woolley. Next time I’ll have to add Tullycraft to the list in honor of how we met.

The show began with a song off one of my desert island top 5 albums, and ended with a track that’s nearly thirty years old. In between was great indie rock and garage rock from the past decade or so.

Click bold playlist entries to visit related content.

“Call It Ours” by The Legends off Up Against The Legends

“Rotten Hell” by Menomena off Friend And Foe
“Melectric” by Ramona Falls off Intuit
“Cold Feet” by Lost Lander off DRRT

“Vomit” by Girls off Father, Son, Holy Ghost
“Collector” by PAPA off A Good Woman Is Hard To Find
“Hoop Of Love” by Dominant Legs off Invitation

“The Concept (Teenage Fanclub Cover)” by Blue Skies For Black Hearts
“I’m A Thief” by Fresh & Onlys off Play It Strange
“Hey Friend” by JEFF The Brotherhood off We Are The Champions
“Summer Solstice” by Crystal Antlers off Two-Way Mirror

“Burden” by The Mantles off The Mantles

“After The Call” by Electrelane off No Shouts No Calls
“Big Girl” by Darlings off Warma
“Weekends” by Teenage Reverb off Isolation Tape Night

“Punks In The Beerlight” by Silver Jews off Tanglewood Numbers
“Firedrill” by Sam Humans off Live Free & Let Loose
“Nerve Jamming” by Bass Drum Of Death off GB City

“I Don’t Wanna Know” by Shimmering Stars off Violent Hearts
“You Don’t Want Kids To Be Dead” by The Beets off Let The Poison Out
“Bring Your Love” by The Cave Weddings off Bring Your Love (7″ Single)

“When I’m With You” by Best Coast off Crazy For You
“Into The Sea” by Seapony off Go With Me
“I Will Be” by Dum Dum Girls off I Will Be
“Dead Man’s Sister” by Tea Cozies

“You Make The Sun Fry” by Ty Segall off Goodbye Bread
“You Should Close The Door” by Craft Spells off Idle Labor

“No Doctor” by Virgin Islands off Ernie Chambers Vs. God
“Brave Dumb Face” by Unnatural Helpers off Cracked Love & Other Drugs

“Smile” by The Fall off Perverted By Language

The beginning of “Summer Solstice”, off Crystal Antlers‘ forthcoming LP Two Way Mirror, has a few traits common with their previous Tentacles LP and self-titled EP. It has that same style of vocals that are at one moment stretched and pained, and the next calmed and elated. But it’s missing the prodigal chaos in the instrumentation that was so profound in that early work. No worries; this band still knows how to melt your face.

Crystal Antlers have a new video for “Summer Solstice” and it lays down some wicked feedback subtly behind a pleasant opening melody. Here we hear a bit more of the experimental noise common in the band’s early work, though it still seems a bit tame in comparison to epics like “Until the Sun Dies” and “Parting Song for the Torn Sky”.

I’ve noticed a lot of videos overlapping footage this year, and “Summer Solstice” is no exception. It fits here, though, as it adds to both storyline and Crystal Antlers’ beloved style of restrained chaos.

Download: “Two-Way Mirror” by Crystal Antlers

When I compiled my original Best Of 2008 list last December, it was a snow day. The sky dropped about a foot, maybe a foot and a half of fluffy white stuff and we lowly sub-compact drivers could go nowhere. Between ranking albums and locating album art, I took a stroll around town with my camera. The above image comes from that trek. Overall, I was pretty happy with last year’s list but, in revisiting all the albums from 2008, I now see quite a few that I left out.

Sub Pop dominated the year with a total of 4 albums in the top ten with a fifth just outside. A few albums are now on this list that weren’t on my radar last year, or that I left off for some reason or another. And because of that, some albums have dropped in rank; but that’s not because they’re no longer as valid. All albums on this list are great, and you should check them out. I’m going to begin with a few honorary EPs (in alphabetical order). Three to be exact.

Let’s begin…

* * * * *

Honorary EP #1. Crystal Antlers EP by Crystal Antlers (Previously #17)

Influenced, in my opinion, by bands like Comets On Fire, Crystal Antlers blend experimentation with psychedelic noise. Wild solos and epic squeals made their self-titled EP more than worthy of checking out.

Crystal Antlers: A Thousand Eyes [mp3]

* * * * *

Honorary EP #2. Weepy EP by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band (Previously #26)

Four powerful songs which ultimately led to one of 2009′s most anticipated debut albums, Weepy EP is brilliant in every form possible. Plus it features an outstanding homemade cover.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band: Dull Reason [mp3]

* * * * *

Honorary EP #3. Love Yourself EP by Thunder Power

Love Yourself is without question bouncy mid-western pop. Songs like “(Why Don’t You Go) Take A Hike?” and “Cassanova” launched Thunder Power into one of the year’s most promising acts. Yeah, we’re still waiting for that debut LP, but this EP is worthy of keeping us company until that happens.

Thunder Power: (Why Don’t You Go) Take A Hike? [mp3]

* * * * *

1/3. Topps 7″ Single by BOAT

Topps remains the top single of 2008. It’s hard to beat with trading cards and 80s-style baseball card chewing gum. “Topps” and “Three Beds For Boat” are both excellent portrayals of the band and their dreams.

BOAT: Topps [mp3]

* * * * *

33. Who Killed Harry Houdini? by I’m From Barcelona (Previously #19)

In last year’s Best Of list I noted that this album held together better than I’m From Barcelona’s debut, and that statement holds. I also mentioned that it didn’t have those standout tracks like “We’re From Barcelona” and “Oversleeping”. Also true. Still, I’m pretty obsessed with the track “Andy” for obvious reasons.

I’m From Barcelona: Music Killed Me [mp3]

* * * * *

32. Partie Traumatic by Black Kids (Previously #28)

In many ways, the best parts of Partie Traumatic were the songs that were originally released on Wizards Of Ahhhs. Still, revisiting the album there are plenty of new tunes that were just as enjoyable (well, almost).

* * * * *

31. Moonbeams by Throw Me The Statue (Previously N/A)

Of all the bands that dub themselves tropical, none hold the weight as well as Throw Me The Statue. For the longest time, I didn’t care for “Lolita”, but the song grew on me. Moonbeams is a strong debut from one of Seattle’s most cherished new groups.

Throw Me The Statue: Lolita [mp3]

* * * * *

30. Glistening Pleasure by Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head (Previously N/A)

A local hype band of sorts, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head took Seattle by storm. Especially the young. It’s easy to hear why – songs like “Me + Yr Daughter” and “Iceage Babeland” are easy songs to obsess over with their glam-like dance-worthiness.

Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head: Me + Yr Daughter [mp3]

* * * * *

29. In Case We Lose What We Have by Letters (Previously #23)

I just found out my neighbor knows the parents of one of Letters’ members. It’s an odd coincidence. In Case We lose What We Have is one of this list’s more eclectic artists, and one of the least known. But they should be known, as the songs on this album are pretty astounding.

Letters: Ode To Yr Medicine [mp3]

* * * * *

28. Trouble In Dreams by Destroyer (Previously #33)

Following power albums like Rubies and Your Blues is a damn near impossible feat. Trouble In Dreams didn’t achieve the greatness of those albums, but it had plenty of excellence to drop it right behind them as Destroyer’s third best album.

Destroyer: Dark Leaves Form A Thread [mp3]

* * * * *

27. Cove by A Weather (Previously N/A)

Portland’s A Weather brought back bedroom pop with their debut LP Cove. Soft lullabies and whispered harmony vocals can lead a band to bore, but A Weather never approaches that point thanks to songs like “Oh My Stars” and “Spiders/Snakes”.

A Weather: Spiders, Snakes [mp3]

* * * * *

26. Falling Off The Lavender Bridge by Lightspeed Champion (Previously #25)

Acoustic guitars, light strings, and bouncy melodies aren’t exactly what you’d expect from rock music, let along rock music fronted by a hefty British accent, yet here they are. Lightspeed Champion made rock music beautiful.

* * * * *

25. First Frost by The Lucksmiths (Previously #22)

In 2009, after a decade-and-a-half tenure as Australia’s greatest pop group, The Lucksmiths called it quits. First Frost was their final full-length and, in reality, it is one of their best.

The Lucksmiths: Good Light [mp3]

* * * * *

24. The Stand Ins by Okkervil River (Previously #12)

Over the past few years, Okkervil River has really grown into their sound, and with it they’ve strengthened their abilities, from the instruments they perform to the songs they write. This rang true throughout The Stand Ins just as it had in 2007′s The Stage Names.

Okkervil River: Lost Coastlines [mp3]

* * * * *

23. Forfeit / Fortune by Crooked Fingers (Previously N/A)

After their self-titled debut, Crooked Fingers seemed to lag a bit. I didn’t really get into the albums they released after that outstanding debut. It wasn’t until Forfeit / Fortune was released that I began to see merit return to the Eric Bachman-fronted group. And there is plenty here to enjoy, from the Tilly & The Wall-esque “Luisa’s Bones” to the Ricky Martin (WHAT? Yes!) musical styling in “Phony Revolutions”.

Crooked Fingers: Phony Revolutions [mp3]

* * * * *

22. Fear Of Flying by David Karsten Daniels (Previously #21)

“Falling Down” is one of the coolest songs of 2008. David Karsten Daniels is a storyteller that has the uncanny ability to translate narrative into song, and he does so perfectly on Fear Of Flying

* * * * *

21. Huggable Dust by Okay (Previously #20)

A curious mix of Electric President, Page France, and Bright Eyes for its oft electro-pop meets psychedelic-pop with simple mopey lyrics, Huggable Dust is truly a unique piece of work. A wonderful album!

Okay: Beast [mp3]

* * * * *

20. The Plum Album by Haakon Ellingsen (Previously #18)

Looking back over the past year, there have been a few truly underground artists that have made a splash with folks at work. These artists are ones that deserve an exponentially greater audience. Two from 2009 include We Swim You Jump and The Banyans. From 2008, the most prominent of the artists is Haakon Ellingsen. The Plum Album could have been how The Beatles would sound had they originated in Scandinavia.

Haakon Ellingsen: Sunshine Girl [mp3]

* * * * *

19. Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea by Silver Jews (Previously #32)

2008 was really my introduction to Silver Jews. It’s sad, really, as they recently called it quits. Like David Karsten Daniels, Silver Jews’ David Berman is a phenomenal wordsmith whose ability to craft a damn good song nears par none.

* * * * *

18. If Children by Wye Oak (Previously #13)

Simplicity and complexity are both descriptive terms you can associate with If Children by Wye Oak. From minimalist moments to insanely epic heights, this duo’s modern version of post-shoegaze rock-pop demanded to be heard. Listening again to songs like “Please Concrete” and “Family Glue” I’m reminded at just how great this album is.

Wye Oak: Family Glue [mp3]

* * * * *

17. She’s The Dutchess & He’s The Duke by The Dutchess & The Duke (Previously N/A)

Another shocker in that it wasn’t on my original list, The Dutchess & The Duke’s lo-fi sounds were fit for the 70s. The male/female vocals and heavy guitar strums put forth a sound that is as infectious as the swine flu, but without need for vaccine.

The Dutchess And The Duke: Reservoir Park [mp3]

* * * * *

16. In Field & Town by Hayden (Previously #10)

What makes In Field & Town such a great album is it’s shock value. Similar to that found in Hayden’s video for “Where And When”, this album was startling. No longer were Hayden’s lyrics and songs utterly depressing. He had matured and with it was able to craft a wonderful album; not that the prior albums weren’t excellent on their own, just that this new direction was what Hayden needed in order to continue in the path of progression.

* * * * *

15. Second To The Last Frontier by Feral Children (Previously #15)

One of the few albums to keep its ranking outside the top 10, Second To The Last Frontier is truly wild. A local favorite, Feral Children effortlessly translates these crazy sounds into one of the best live performances around.

Feral Children: Spy/Glass House [mp3]

* * * * *

14. Everything Is Alive by Pomegranates (Previously #11)

Pomegranates’ Everything Is Alive is so unbelievably catchy, it has the instant ability to put a bounce in your step and a smile on your face. This is an easy band to love, one with graceful pop melodies and outstanding songwriting to boot.

Pomegranates: Thunder Island [mp3]

* * * * *

13. We Brave Bee Stings And All by Thao With The Get Down Stay Down (Previously N/A)

This is a hard album not to love. Entirely made of bouncy pop riffs, but inundated with folk sensibilities, Thao With The Get Down Stay Down really proved with We Brave Bee Stings And All that they are one of today’s most promising artists. “Beat”, “Bag Of Hammers”, “Geography” – this album has so many great tunes, it’s hard to pick a favorite.

Thao: Beat [mp3]

* * * * *

12. Hospital Blossom by The Wailing Wall (Previously #9)

A unique songwriter, Jesse Rifkin deserves indie fame. Hospital Blossom is an experimental folk album like no other, featuring plenty of eccentricities and a fair share of praise-worthy lyrics. The performances all around are near perfect.

The Wailing Wall: Hospital Blossom [mp3]

* * * * *

11. At Mount Zoomer by Wolf Parade (Previously N/A)

How At Mount Zoomer didn’t make the list last year is beyond me. The year’s best lengthy track goes to album closer “Kissing The Beehive”. Once thought not possible, Wolf Parade topped their debut with ease. At Mount Zoomer is a must-have album.

Wolf Parade: Call It A Ritual [mp3]

* * * * *

10. Eight Golden Greats by The Old Believers (Previously #8)

Listen to The Old Believers and your first impression might be that it’s something both you and your grandparents would enjoy. Eight Golden Greats fits that old-time-y sound perfectly, yet has a strange modernity to it that makes it more than appropriate for today’s youthful music fans.

The Old Believers: Granny’s Song [mp3]

* * * * *

9. Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us by Death Vessel (Previously #14)

What I like about these retrospectives is that I can re-categorize the albums in a way they should have been organized originally. In the months after creating my original Best Of 2008 list, Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us took on a new light. “Peninsula” remains one of my favorite songs from 2008, and the album remains an integral part of my playlist.

Death Vessel: Bruno’s Torso [mp3]

* * * * *

8. This Is Ivy League by This Is Ivy League (Previously #7)

This album, in my opinion, channels four historic artists: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and Kings Of Convenience. Blending the best parts of each artist and concocting various recipes of these influences, This Is Ivy League progressed folk-pop while giving a hefty nod to the genre’s past.

This Is Ivy League: London Bridges [mp3]

* * * * *

7. Grand Archives by Grand Archives (Previously #6)

Grand Archives’ debut LP was easily my most anticipated release of 2008 and it lived up to all expectations. “George Kaminski” was reworked beautifully and “The Crime Window” was the epic album climax. Few weak points on the album and several phenomenal live performances, Grand Archives quickly rose to be one of my favorite bands.

Grand Archives: Torn Blue Foam Couch [mp3]

* * * * *

6. A Certain Feeling by Bodies Of Water (Previously #5)

A Certain Feeling remained a constant on my playlist for quite some time after I discovered it in 2009. These songs are filled with the perfect amounts of vocal harmonies and plush instrumentation, all of it anthem-worthy. Truly one of 2008′s most cherished releases.

Bodies Of Water: Under The Pines [mp3]

* * * * *

5. Soft Airplane by Chad VanGaalen (Previously #4)

Soft Airplane remains an obscure but brilliant album. You just cannot deny the power of “TMNT Mask”, with its erratic solo and the outstanding cartoon video of “Molten Light” that VanGaalen did himself. Truly a master of odd things; odd but brilliant.

Chad VanGaalen: Willow Tree [mp3]

* * * * *

4. Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes (Previously #5)

When they debuted on the national scene in 2008, Fleet Foxes could do no wrong. Their sound brought all the great elements from the folk-rock of the 60s and 70s into modern times. With four-part harmonies and epic instrumentation, this self-titled release may ultimately go down as one of the all-time greats.

Fleet Foxes: White Winter Hymnal [mp3]

* * * * *

3. Lost Wisdom by Mount Eerie (Previously N/A)

On Lost Wisdom, Mount Eerie strips down his occasional dissonant distortion and wild erraticism for a fully acoustic sound. Title track “Lost Wisdom” is a true masterpiece. Phil Elverum has proved over and over again that he is one of most clever and brilliant minds when it comes to modern songwriting.

Mount Eerie: Voice In Headphones [mp3]

* * * * *

2. Bury The Cynics by The Lovely Sparrows (Previously #2)

Also no movement in The Lovely Sparrows’ Bury The Cynics. This album remains a folk-pop masterpiece, filled with some great tunes like “Wraith” and “Bury The Cynics”. Just this past week we posted a new video from the band; it is with great anticipation I await Shawn Jones’ follow-up to this album.

The Lovely Sparrows: Department Of Foreseeable Outcomes [mp3]

* * * * *

1. Na Na Ni by Fredrik (Previously #1)

Fredrik remains at #1 with Na Na Ni, my favorite album from 2008. Words cannot describe how excited I am for their follow up, Trilogy, due out early next year on The Kora Records. “Black Fur” and “11 Years” top this album, chalk full of great tunes. Close behind are “Evil And I” and “1986″.

Fredrik: Black Fur [mp3]

We’re now half way through 2009, so I figured it was about time to collect a few favorites from the year thus far. I’ve put together 10 must-hear albums from the first half of 2009. To alleviate any bias, and because I’m totally obsessed with this style of categorization, I’m putting them alphabetically.

A few albums are missing from this list and deserve bonus recognition. I’ve chosen five artists I find absolutely amazing to list as honorable mentions. Why? In some cases, I haven’t had the chance to listen to the album in its entirety. In a few other cases, I simply ran out of room.

1. Tom Brosseau: Posthumous Success
2. God Help The Girl: God Help The Girl
3. The Legends: Over And Over
4. Pree: A Chopping Block
5. Virgin Of The Birds: Every Rival

Enough. On to my 10 Must-Hear Albums From The First Half Of 2009…

* * * * *

Tree House Whispers by Anois

Easily one of the greater underground discoveries of the year is Anois, whose latest release, Tree House Whispers comes from netlabel Aerotone Records. It is, perhaps, my favorite release Aerotone Records has given us to date. Read my review of Anois’s Tree House Whispers.

Anois: Beds And Dishes [mp3]

* * * * *

The Banyans by The Banyans

These things are all about surprises, and it wouldn’t be fulfilled without a self-released album from a brand new hometown band. The Banyans are from Seattle and their style of northwest folk is absolutely wonderful. Read my feature on The Banyans.

The Banyans: Grenade On Course [mp3]

* * * * *

Tentacles by Crystal Antlers

Last year’s self-titled EP by Crystal Antlers became one of my favorites of the year and their LP follow-up with Tentacles is poised to follow suit. While slightly less eccentric experimental noise than Crystal Antlers, it makes up more than tenfold with drone-y experimental psychedelia. Tentacles can be found on Touch & Go. Read my review of Tentacles.

Crystal Antlers: Andrew [mp3]

* * * * *

Spooky EP by The Golden Hours

With the buzz around fuzz — fuzzed out guitars, that is — and my history of loving the sound dating back to the debut release by The Legends, you’re sure to hear a few such artists on this list. The Golden Hours is the first and their music sides a bit more on the cute and twee end. Spooky EP is a must-have for fans of fuzzed-out pop. Read my Spooky EP review.

The Golden Hours: Baked Brown [mp3]

* * * * *

Golden Triangle by Golden Triangle

Where The Golden Hours were on the twee end of of the spectrum, Golden Triangle is most definitely somewhere else. Their music is loud, raucous, and angst-filled, but boy is it fun! Golden Triangle is an in-your-face garage punk release. Golden Triangle was released on Mexican Summer, but is now sold out. Read my review of Golden Triangle.

Golden Triangle: Red Coats [mp3]

* * * * *

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

I must say that I am absolutely ecstatic that The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart released “Young Adult Friction” as a single. It is, after all, one of my top three songs of the year so far. What’s amazing is that the rest of their self-titled LP is not far behind. No wonder TPOBPAH is one of the biggest hype bands of the year! This album can be found on several record labels throughout the world, including Slumberland, Fortuna Pop and Lost And Lonesome. Check out my coverage of a TPOBPAH video.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart: Everything With You [mp3]

* * * * *

Everybody Come Outside by Pomegranates

Pomegranates were one of last year’s surprises, ultimately achieving a top ten spot in my Top 33 and 1/3 Albums of 2008 list. Well they’re back with Everybody Come Outside and it tops last year’s phenomenal release. This album was released on Lujo Records. Read my review of Everybody Come Outside.

Pomegranates: Everybody Come Outside [mp3]

* * * * *

Clangour by Sin Fang Bous

Beautifully electronic, masterfully erratic, Sin Fang Bous is one of Iceland’s most promising artists, as heard throughout Clangour, as seen in the Sin Fang Bous videos for “Advent In Ives Garden” and “Clangour And Flutes”, and as seen in the outstanding cover art design. Clangour is on Morr Music. Check out my video review on Sin Fang Bous.

Sin Fang Bous: Advent In Ives Garden [mp3]

* * * * *

AZAR by Venice Is Sinking

AZAR may be one of the earliest released in this group of outstanding albums, but throughout it has maintained not only a high ranking as one of my favorite albums of the year, it has also dominated my playlist. I fully expect the second half of 2009 to continue the trend. One Percent Press released AZAR. Check out my coverage of Venice Is Sinking.

Venice Is Sinking: Okay [mp3]

* * * * *

We Swim You Jump by We Swim You Jump

We Swim You Jump is the international surprise of 2009, coming from the Netherlands. This group creates highly infectious indie pop that far outstretches their humble beginning. They also introduced me to a new label, Subroutine Records. Read my album review of We Swim You Jump.

We Swim You Jump: Sharks [mp3]

There are moments on Tentacles where Crystal Anters lose their chaotic experimental flare so rampant on their debut, self-titled EP from last year. It was a trait that earned them much awareness in tunes like “A Thousand Eyes” and, my personal favorite, “Parting Song For The Torn Sky”. The good news is that Tentacles succeeds in achieving a similarly high status. Songs like “Andrew” are instantly recognizable as cutting edge and, as opposed to the EP, even dabble in psychedelia.

It’s odd, this dissolution of experimentation in such songs, especially for those who had Crystal Anters EP on repeat for weeks on end last year. But even these tunes include the scream-ridden angst in the vocals, and they’re accompanied by intensely experimental tracks like “Dust” and the delicious “Until The Sun Dies (Part 1)” and wild title track, “Tentacles”. These tunes match that EP in volume, featuring erratic guitar solos and various shifts in time.

Where Crystal Antlers succeed the most can be divided into one of two categories. They either excel at 1) taking chaos and forming a cohesive on-the-edge sort of order, or 2) taking order to the edges of sanity. Compound all these elements on top of one another and you have one phenomenal album. Tentacles exceeds expectations, and while no song (yet) really tops “Parting Song For The Torn Sky”, there is plenty of chaotic solos, and emotive screams to keep this reviewer satiated yet hungry for more.

Crystal Antlers: Andrew [mp3]

Touch And Go Records [CD, 2009]

1. Painless Sleep
2. Dust
3. Time Erased
4. Andrew
5. Vapor Trail
6. Tentacles
7. Until the Sun Dies (Part One)
8. Memorized
9. Glacier
10. Foot of the Mountain
11. Your Spears
12. Swollen Sky
13. Several Tongues

Talking to a friend several months ago about a quote she had on her IM profile, which said Fuck is the new Wolf, I couldn’t help but make the following prediction: Sure, but Crystal is the new Fuck. I could not have been more right.

It’s list time (in order of when I became aware of the band):
- Crystal Skulls
- Crystal Castles
- Crystal Stilts
- Crystal Antlers

Oh, and I just got a CD in the mail by a band called Celestial. Their latest release is called Crystal Heights.

The latest add band-wise, however, is Crystal Antlers and I recently picked up their self-titled EP, just reissued on Touch And Go Records (a prior version—the one I have—was self-released by the band). Enclosed inside a paperboard case are six unclassifiable songs.

And they truly are; each song blends so many genres that it becomes difficult to distinguish one influence and style from another. Take single “A Thousand Eyes”—the song that originally got me into the band… it combines all the proper elements to make Crystal Antlers a hype group. The organ/bass lines even give it a jazz-like base.

But “A Thousand Eyes” isn’t the only phenom on the EP. While they’re all great, opener “Until The Sun Dies (Part 2)” and closer “Parting Song For The Torn Sky” are easy favorites. The true eye opener, in my opinion, is the latter. Andrew King’s wild experimental guitar solo that spans much of the song is breathtaking; then, when Johnny Bell belts out his hoarsely screamed vocals at around the midpoint—hell, it’s an audible orgasm. Seriously, few songs from this year—if any—top this one in sheer genius.

That’s pretty much what you can expect from the entire EP: creative genius that’s unparalleled in modern music. And that’s what makes Crystal Antlers the best damn band taking advantage of the Crystal is the new Fuck tagline.

Crystal Antlers: A Thousand Eyes [mp3]

Touch And Go [CDEP, 2008]

1. Until The Sun Dies (Part 2)
2. Vexation
3. A Thousand Eyes
4. Owl
5. Arcturus
6. Parting Song For The Torn Sky