Lansing, Michigan’s LaSalle is back with their second full-length Pretty World and finds the band (again) hopping between a visceral attack a la Small Brown Bike/Casket Lottery that thunders along with atmospheric and electronic flourishes and more melodic full-on driving indie rock. The vocals of husband/wife team Mike (ex-Small Brown Bike) and Katy Reed compliment each other extremely well on Pretty World while drummer Dan (also ex-Small Brown Bike) pounds with a fervor makes the swinging circular post rock bruising as well. But even though the band excels when angular guitars bob and weave around lilting basslines like a prizefighter, the trio isn’t afraid to incorporate drum machines, brass, or keys seamlessly into their songs. In short, Pretty World is a dynamic and captivating record that’s easily among the year’s best and, despite the fact I liked their debut Expedition Songs, was totally blown away by this. Seriously.
MP3 | LaSalle – To Sea Pretty World
MP3 | LaSalle – For Years Of Fear Pretty World
