Artist: Husbands

Artist: Husbands

Review by Jessi Roti – @JessiTaylorRO

EP: Achin’

Links: https://twitter.com/husbandsokc

http://husbandsokc.bandcamp.com/album/achin-ep

Abstract indie pop, bubbling over with ideas and distortions, has been successfully produced by bands like Animal Collective, Yeasayer, and Passion Pit. Oklahoma City’s Husbands’ globally-infused, abstract pop is truly new ground in indie music. On their latest EP, Achin’, fuzzy reverb feeds on each track as they melt into each other across a half hour.

Opening with “Aikin,” a slightly psychedelic, haunting jut of guitar and drums create the feel of the sound winding down a corridor. While “Aikin” is used to draw the listener in, it’s slowly drowned out by what sounds like bucket drums and synchronized hand-claps as “Overholser” feeds in.

Two tracks in, it’s apparent that Husbands’ approach to song construction is fearless. Their ambition and creativity, whether it propels or hinders them, definitely sets them apart. Whether it’s the effect of an ambulance whizzing past you, the arcade noises that define the ‘80s feel in “TarBB,” or a laser being shot-out at supersonic speed, Husbands are unabashedly all in.

“Bois” is much less overwhelmed by sound distortions, but still filtered through the same indie format. Think of The Beatles’ song “Because” sped-up and accompanied by a jangling guitar riff that breaks up the sliding drone of the vocals.

As the EP progresses, so does the band’s desire for a bit of sonic clarity. “Marley” is so minimal, by Husbands’ standards – evoking a Vampire Weekend-like prep about it. It’s a breath of fresh air amongst the preceding tracks that teeter on sensory overload.

While “Marley” is bare in comparison, closing track “Bets” ups the ante again. But that seems to be the definition of Husbands’ all-inclusive sound.

Achin’ really leaves Husbands’ future up in the air. With everything utilized on this release, stripping down future releases could allow the band new, creative outlets. Honing in on a specific feature of their sound, focusing on one element instead of trying to include four in a three-minute track could actually open them up to a larger fan-base. Or, they could explode. Either way, Husbands seem to be worth keeping up with.