The American Analog Set, Know By Heart (Tiger Style) 9+
In a year of grandiose orchestral statements and experimental electro, American Analog Set have stayed true to their name and produced a comfortingly familiar set that reminds me how cool it was in 1995 to hear the whirring vintage Farfisas of Jessamine and pre-Pro Tools Stereolab. Joined by the likes of Kingston Manx, Poem Rocket and Schema, the Texas-based band finds themselves as forbearers of some sort of organic psych-rock community. Like the first three albums, Know By Heart manages to recall The Velvet Underground, German space rock, Galaxie 500 and Spacemen 3, while still sounding futuristic in a brand new century. Yet these songs are less about autobahns and betatrons than matters of the heart, illustrated by the cover art of guitar leads shaped as a heart in front, a noose on the back. The oddly titled "Punk As Fuck" contains lightly brushed drums, a fluid walking bass and Andrew Kenny's nearly whispered vocals which sometimes recall Elliott Smith. "Like Foxes Through Fences" is a Neu-like study in metonymic propulsion. "Million Young" is a perfect balance between Lisa Roschmann's loud organ drones and quiet moments electrified by clenched-teeth anger. "The Only One," "The Kindness Of Strangers," and "Know By Heart" are tales of hope and despair that eschew climaxes while managing to entrance with piles of delicate melodies. The closing track is titled "We're Computerizing And We Just Don't Need You Anymore." American Analog Set need not be concerned. For their booty of indie-pop riches, they will always be needed. Better loving, and self destruction, through analog.
