Blouse "Imperium" LP (2013)

Details: Used 12" record of Blouse's sold out 2nd album, "Imperium" on Omnian/Captured Tracks from 2013. Equal parts mystery, beauty, and slow-wave-driving songs. A great second album from a band that dropped in and then dropped out. "Jacob and Patrick’s Pacific Northwest alt-rock roots (filtered through post-punk and V/U) are a great counterpoint to ex-pat Southern CA transplant Charlie Hilton’s Cohen/Patti/Nico singer/songwriter nature."

Description: "Evolution is a tricky word when discussing current trends in music, especially when it comes to sophomore albums. The critically lauded “BLOUSE,” the 2011 debut from the Portland band of the same name was a lush, melodic, and dreamy affair spiked with whoozy synths and delicate vocals. For “Imperium,” their 2nd LP for Captured Tracks, Blouse have shed the synths, done away with drum machines, and wrote and recorded with “instruments that don’t plug into the wall,” as enforced by bandmember/producer Jacob Portrait.

Sonically speaking, that comes through on the LP immediately. Perhaps bolstered by the ongoing construction occurring next to the studio while the record was being made, the sense of force and urgency propelling the record is evident. Patrick Adams’ driving bass and plodding drums in the title track usher in this new guitar-friendlier Blouse; more direct and clearer of vision, but still mysterious and beautiful."

Grade: VG+ (Cover) / NM (record)

TRACK LISTING SIDE A:

1. Imperium
2. Eyesite
3. 1000 Years
4. In A Glass
5. Capote

TRACK LISTING SIDE B:

1. A Feeling Like This
2. No Shelter
3. Happy Days
4. Arrested
5. Trust Me