NOOTROPICS (VINYL)

'The record as a whole begs for an assessment of all the flaws inherent in our existence, and to imagine a better, more suitable, logical way for humanity to live." So says Lower Dens leader Jana Hunter about the Baltimore band's long-awaited second album 'Nootropics', The title refers to a type of drug used to enhance memory or other cognitive functions, That's a reference to Hunter's interest in transhumanism, the use of technology to extend human capabilities, It could just as easily extend to the music itself - even the band's newfound keyboards achieve a human-digital synthesis that aptly mirrors the album's themes, Following the release of their beguiling debut album 'Twin-Hand Movement' in July 2010 the band embarked on a grueling tour schedule which saw them play around 200 shows in a 12-month span, playing with the likes of Bear in Heaven, the Walkmen, Beach House, and Deerhunter, the band developed the kind of musical telepathy that only relentless touring can bring, Spare and yet teeming with sound and portent, Nootropics rewards attentive listening. "You have to be paying attention," Hunter says, "which is a lot to ask of people, But that's the way I like it.'