AU- Versions (Aagoo Rec)
Coming off a well received full length ('Verbs'), AU's Versions EP drops on October 8 on 10" vinyl (limited to 500) and digital download (sorry, CD fans!).
Reworking some old favorites and adding one new song ('Ida Walked Away'), this Portland, Oregon experimental pop duo gives their cult like following 6 songs here to hold them over until something longer in duration comes into fruition. Though previous work has entailed a lengthy collective cast of players, 'Versions' is a lot more singular in its delivery but no less experimental and accomplished.
Recorded in Vermont and New Hampshire through last winter, the duo of Luke Wyland and Dana Valatka have taken what began as an art students bedroom hobby and turned it into a touring machine. On this disc, the reworking of their older songs showcases their ability to reinterpret them and add bits of their intense live show. With Dana's skilled drumming and Luke's ability to play a number of instruments, 'Versions' gives up a peek of what to expect from an AU performance.
Challenging the status quo for pop music, 'Versions' is elegant, dynamic, loud and defies comparison or classification. Each song sounds like a different band, from soft rockers that bring to mind Coldplay, synth/dance not unlike The Postal Service, carnival sounding backdrops and even majestic, epic soundtrack-esque numbers. From hushed to chaotic and just above everywhere in between, this short disc covers a lot of ground. I can assure you you've never heard anything quite like this before. In a word, captivating...
Hear it: http://www.myspace.com/peaofthesea
Buy it: http://www.aagoo.com
Official site: http://www.au-au-au.com
