Rob Romano and his New Brunswick based band Professor Caveman just released a super intriguing and borderline bizarre EP, titled Vol. 3. Their first work since 2014, the record is a completely different project than their previous garage/punk release Vol. 2. Here, Romano provides a unique combination of funk, synthpop, psychedelia and lo-fi sounds, offering an unpredictable songwriting style reminiscent of a more subdued early Foxygen. The first half of Vol. 3 is jam-packed with a variety of sonic ideas. The luscious, crisp guitar chords on opening track “Lemon Water” become entirely unfamiliar within two minutes: they melt, blend, and evolve into something else entirely; cryptic and fuzzy vocals mumble barely articulate lyrics with a South American flavor, wallowing into ever-changing bass lines and drum beats, all accompanied by a horn section. The second track “Tappy Tappy Bling Bling” is not that different sonically, but takes a slightly different route, with synths and wah filtered guitars that sound at once loungy and psychedelic. The second half of Vol. 3 balances these aspects with an even more relaxed vibe similar to artists like TOPS and Mac Demarco. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for any upcoming live shows. – Pearse Devlin
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best psych songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!