Far From a "Deadbeat Summer"---Neon Indian's Second Album, Era Extrana, on NPR

As I rode back from the Jersey Shore this afternoon, I was more aware than ever that summer is swiftly coming to an end. Despite the harsh reality of getting back to work and school, the remanence of relaxation and the chillwave vibe that I always am left with upon my return will linger brilliantly.

What better way to help make the summer last than with a free streaming of Neon Indian's Second Full-Length album, Era Extrana from none other than NPR. I had the fortunate opportunity to hear "Polish Girl" about a month back at my internship, where it was a reference track. That song and the album are pure bliss, with a nice mix of low-fi verb, electro-synthetic sounds, murmurs, and repeated patterns. Running just over 42 minutes, tracks are anywhere from just under a minute long, to 5 minutes and 30.

But none of that seems to matter as the tracks flow easily, while remaining unique from one another. As with Alan Palomo's first compositions on the band's debut Psychic Chasms, there is an easy nostalgic flow with distant vocals and intriguing downtempo rhythms. From disorienting sounds and pitch bends that remind me a bit of dream-pop duo Beach House on "Future Sick" to the cornucopia of psychedelia on "Suns Irrupt", this album is definitely worth a listen.

Track Listing

1. Heart: Attack

2. Polish Girl

3. Blindside Kiss

4. Hex Girlfriend

5. Heart: Decay

6: Fallout

7: Era Extrana

8: Halogen (I Could Be A Shadow)

9: Future Sick

10: Suns Irrupt

11: Heart: Release

12: Arcade Blues

13 Eras Ending Above Us *Bonus Track

Era Extrana is due to be released officially by Static Tongues/Mom + Pop on September 13th and according to Pitchfork, Palomo will co-host Sirium XMU from 5-6pm Eastern, Sept. 12-15, and perform live for one of their sessions on the 21st at 9pm EST.

Some Pretty Exciting Stuff. My heart's pumping right along with the track titles. Tour Soon?

Peace.Love.Music

Kara Ali