The Press (band)

You can definitely divine many of the bands influences— Neutral Milk Hotel, New Pornographers, Of Montreal, Built to Spill, The Clash, The Grateful Dead—but the band succeeds in letting their predecessors guide them without defining them. Their debut full-length album INTEOTWIJTEOAE is a testament to that. Recorded at the Fort in Brooklyn, the band was intent on creating songs that are as natural and logical as they are adventurous and unexpected. This intention rings through in a thrilling, beautiful cohesion of songs personifying their smart, playful, irreverent, and eclectic character. There are many nuggets to choose from. "Big Boss, Little Boss," a song about recognizing failures, features the earnest cry from all three members at the top of their lungs, "I am right, I am always right!" a chorus that, live or in earbuds, will compel you to sing along. In contrast, "Panther Beach," is a hauntingly complex, lovely song, with luscious Johnny Marr-esque guitar, drums beating out a martial tattoo, and the three harmonizing to redemption. While each song is different from the next, the record is laced with a unified narrative that those who value the lost art of listening to whole albums will appreciate.