Dark, dark, dark: brooding Los Angeles band the Delta Mirror has an affinity for broken things on its forthcoming album, “Machines That Listen,” due March 16 on Lefse Records (home of Neon Indian and Phaseone).

Each track on the band’s 9-song full-length debut takes place in a different room in a hospital, and there’s a corresponding clinical air to the shuddering electronic arrangements. They’re warmed up with downhearted guitar and the inconsolable notes in Craig Gordon’s distant vocals. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful all at once.

The Delta Mirror started as a hip-hop duo two years ago, before Gordon and synthesizer whiz David Bolt added bassist Karrie K. and moved their music in an atmospheric, shoegazey direction. It makes for a compelling sound on “He Was Worse Than the Needle He Gave You,” the first song from the album.

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He Was Worse Than the Needle He Gave You mp3

January 21, 2010 at 11:41 am | Share |