“Interiors” is the fifth studio album by The Vacant Lots, a Brooklyn-based duo. The record arrives on a 180g clear-red vinyl adorned with black splatter and housed in a hand-numbered gatefold jacket. Beyond a mere auditory excursion, the album unfolds as a visceral expedition into the shadowy recesses of the human psyche. Jared Artaud and Brian MacFadyen, the avant-garde architects behind The Vacant Lots, have carefully crafted a sonic opus that not only distills the essence of their past endeavors but boldly thrusts the genre into unexplored frontiers. “Interiors” weaves brilliant concepts and exceptional musicianship, birthing a comprehensive anthology of somber bedroom anthems resonating with the solitary and enamored alike. By delving deep into the seventies, eighties, and nineties music, their album resonates with a hypnotic, addictive, ethereal ambiance.
The Vacant Lots showcase their signature aesthetic across eight tracks, constructing a mesmerizing landscape interwoven with intricate layers of sound. From the inaugural chords of the “Amnesia” to the lingering echoes of “Damaged Goods,” the album demands an immersive plunge into its depths. What elevates this album to brilliance is the incorporation of some of the finest properties borrowed from different but complementary music genres like post-punk, goth rock, cold wave, synthwave, and synth-pop, all converging into a unified and immersive sonic odyssey. Ethereal vocal harmonies, characterized by deep, calm tones, counterpoint the expertly crafted synth instrumentations, orchestrating a delicate dance between light and shadow. The result is an atmosphere that is both soothing and abrasive, an intricately balanced dichotomy.
The synthesis of ethereal harmonies, melodies, and leads against a backdrop of heavily distorted chord progressions and riffs is nothing short of extraordinary. “Interiors” doesn’t conform to the confines of post-punk or synth music; instead, it transcends them, showcasing the duo’s mastery, experience, and innovative ideas. The sonic landscape feels simultaneously familiar and groundbreaking. The dominance of synths throughout the album is undeniable, acting as the driving force behind sonic landscapes that feel both modern and nostalgic. Yet, amid the synth-led symphony, moments of heavily distorted, fuzzy guitars and warm basslines add layers of depth and complexity to the overall sonic palette. The Vacant Lots exhibit a keen focus on rhythmic structures throughout “Interiors.” Beyond mere beats, the album features cleverly constructed breaks, fills, and percussive acrobatics, elevating the listening experience. It’s a sonic journey that engages both intellectually and emotionally, offering a rhythmic sophistication.
Tracks like “Paradise,” “Evacuation,” “Destruction,” and “Scars” emerge as beacons of brilliance, each contributing to the larger narrative exploring relationships and inner conflict. The lead single, “Amnesia,” encapsulates the thematic depth of “Interiors,” with Artaud’s vocals narrating a tale of duality within relationships, a motif echoing throughout the album. “Interiors” is not just an album; it’s a masterpiece that demands your utmost attention. The Vacant Lots have not only shattered the boundaries of conventional genres but have also crafted an immersive sonic journey that defies expectations. As The Vacant Lots continue their evolution, “Interiors” exemplify their artistic vision, leaving a memorable mark on the ever-expanding landscape of underground synth music. Head to the Fuzz Club web store for more information about ordering this gem.
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