[MP3] Zorch: “E.M.F.”

Aside from a few rumblings here and there, we haven’t heard much about Austin’s Zorch around the interwebs, but hopefully that’s about to change. With a string of SXSW appearances planned and new material in the pipeline, it’s only so long a band like this can go without blowing up. Case in point, their remarkable Cosmic Gloss/E.M.F. EP. Here’s the cataclysmic “E.M.F.” »

Zorch – E.M.F.

The threshold for wide acclaim of psychedelic noise rock is pretty low, it seems. Of course there’s Dan Deacon, Ponytail, Battles, even Fang Island and of course The Flaming Lips (at times). With the exception of the Lips, those other bands typically will have one or two strong, accessible singles on any given LP surrounded by the less accessible, nosier shit they prefer to play (and wish everyone would duly freak out over). Zorch, on the other hand, although I’ve only heard a handful of songs, seems to have mastered the craft of the noise pop compromise. Infectious melodies crash in and out through dozens of glittery keyboard sounds while deftly plotted samples zip manically around the track like a motorbike in a cage of death.

Despite my love for folksy americana (Fleet Foxes), avant-pop (Grizzly Bear), future r&b (THE-DRUM, Supreme Cuts) and everything else under the sun, I’ve got a special appreciation for razor’s edge schizophrenic psych/rock/pop. So… when can we expect a full LP from these dudes? Hopefully soon.

Check out a few more songs at Zorch’s bandcamp page.