Remember Morella's Forest? Fronted by Sydney Rentz, they created innovative music that was both atmospheric and dreamy while being noisy and off the wall at the same time. But the distinct element was always Rentz's bored schoolgirl voice - it was sugary but at the same time apathetic, passionate but at the same time wanting something more. With their Pixies albums in hand, they created records that to this day still have people reminiscing.
This is the part where Celestial Static comes in. Carrying on in that vein, this three piece not only manages to capture the dream pop sound that made their earlier counterparts so endearing, but they actually manage to make it even better. Guitarist Julie Elzerman and drummer Erin Lee usually take turns sharing lead and backing vocals and it works to great effect. The harmonization soars and feels like sugar to the ears. The bass playing of Jeremy Elzerman is warm and adds a very distinct tone to the music that not only carries it, but makes it more accessible.
Though the foundation is clearly in that dream pop vein, they manage to load their sound with generous amounts of modern rock. One song will find their guitar tone coming straight off of Gish era Smashing Pumpkins while another could be a direct throwback to Radiohead. Imitation? Nah. Simply influence. With legendary producer Steve Albini at the production helm, Celestial Static has managed to create an EP that's not only extremely accessible and listenable, but intelligent and complex as well.
3/4
