Lushes latest album, Service Industry, is not as bright and cheery as the cover suggests. It’s full of dark textures and sounds, and paired with guitarist James Ardery’s atonal talk-singing, it makes for a very depressing record. Originally from Brooklyn, Lushes is Ardery and drummer Joel Myers. Having recently finished a tour with Kurt Vile, Lushes’ Service Industry was also produced in part by Jonathan Schenke, who has worked with Parquet Courts.
A consistent theme in the songs is shimmery riffs layered over steady drums and fuzzy guitars. Lushes have a knack for taking a simple riff and using it to create an entire mood, like on the track “Low Hanging Fruit” and “Circus.” Overall, Service Industry is interesting and Lushes creates a lot of different tones. It almost sounds as though there’s a large, grey cloud hanging over it; with songs that might make you feel like either hitting a punching bag or hiding under a big blanket.
Recommended If You Like: Queens of the Stone Age, Metz, My Bloody Valentine, Suuns
Recommended Tracks: 1 (Low Hanging Fruit), 7 (Circus), 2 (Bleach)
Do Not Play: 3 (Auction)
Written by Caroline Roe on 11/16/15