V (RED VINYL)

Wooden Shjips, long-time leaders of the contemporary psychedelic
movement, expand their sound with V. On their fifth album the quartet
of Ripley Johnson (Moon Duo), Omar Ahsanuddin, Dusty Jermier,
and Nash Whalen augment their already rich sound with laid back,
classic summer songs. Inspired by the tumult of the modern world,
and the desire to offer a contrasting vision of peace, the band has
created a record that filters their trademark hypnotic grooves through
an optimistic lens, resulting in music that is bright and vital.
Each song shimmers with a distinctly Wooden Shjips sound, a relaxed
summer vibe. This was a conscious choice, an atmospheric goal that
influenced nearly every detail: the tones, the delay types and reverbs
used, as well as the synthesizer elements that color the songs.
The band's members collectively share a love of classic rock from
the Velvet Underground to Neil Young, as well as more overt love
of the San Francisco scene of the 60's. This commonality in their
formative musical years binds them even as they live in different
cities. Wooden Shjips has with V. created the most concise, laid
back songs of their career. Their music is a balm of sorts, a respite
from the insanity that, through its regenerative abilities, empowers
continued, calm resistance. A reminder of the simple power of peace
and beauty, V. is brimming with optimism and a peaceful energy,
aptly timed for release at the height of spring.