Alex G - DSU (2014) Lossless

After discovering the musical projects of Mat Cothran (Elvis Depressedly, Coma Cinema) nearly two year ago, I soon stumbled upon an entire “world” of artist who knew or were connected to Mr. Cothran. The quantity of acts associate with Mat’s musical endeavors was not the surprising part—it was the quality. By voraciously clicking on Bandcamp recommendations, I was led to R.L. Kelly, Happy Trendy, Foxes in Fiction, and Ricky Eat Acid—artists who now embody the core of rising record label, Orchid Tapes. Their distinct yet accessible musical styles intrigued and captivated me. Here was a group of artists I could connect with on an incredibly immediate level, no single artist more so; however, than Alex G.

The first time I listened to Alex G’s 2010 record, Race, I was left feeling perplexed. It consisted of short, simple pop songs featuring indie rock’s typical, banal instrumentation: guitar, bass, drums (a little piano, a little wacky sonic manipulation). Melodies were straightforward, uncomplicated. Yet something about it was so emotionally evocative; something made me connect with it in a way I’d never before connected with music. Maybe it’s a sound indicative of lacking external awareness/care for coolness or convention. Maybe it’s the hauntingly pure vocals. Hell if I know… Somehow it managed to bring feelings I didn’t even know existed to the surface of my being.

Whatever it was, Race had it, the rest of Alex G’s records had it, and recent singles, “Hollow” and “Harvey” sure fucking have it too. After spending a great deal of time these past two years exploring Alex G’s discography, I can confidently say that these two tracks are among the best songs Alex G has recorded. To hell with “among.” “Hollow” is perhaps the best thing he’s done.