On the cover of their third full-length Autumn, Again, in large, definitive typeface are the words “POP SONGS – 2010”. For A Sunny Day in Glasgow, that’s both an attention-grabber and a reminder, of course, that “pop” is a pretty relative term. Either way, it’s appropriate, as the band has never sounded as concise as they do here. The tracks are generally shorter and more tightly constructed, and the multilayered vocals are now far sharper, having been lifted out of the murkiness that once characterized them so strongly.
This doesn’t mean that ASDIG has lost any of their soft, ethereal qualities, however. The band has always been (and still is) firmly rooted in the shoegaze/dream-pop tradition, but comparisons to My Bloody Valentine (which doesn’t seem to mean anything anymore, frankly) never seemed as telling as ones to Slowdive, Lush, or Curve. In the case of Autumn, Again, the delicate, reverberating textures of the first two are fused with the prominent electronic elements of the third. In fact, it seems like ASDIG has gone from being a band with electronic undercurrents to a full-blown electro-pop act without sacrificing any of their dreaminess.
Breathy, feminine vocals interweave, meld with percolating synths, odd snatches of guitar, and sturdy industrial beats. The opening motorik rhythm of “Sigh, Inhibitionist (Come All Day with Me)” is pleasantly reminiscent of Yo La Tengo, and the first few vocal lines of “Drink Drank Drunk” are quite catchy. Although there are no clear singles (except maybe, again, “Drink Drank Drunk”), the “POP SONGS” declaration still isn’t surprising. Whereas earlier releases were content to wallow, quite beautifully, in their own fuzzy headspace, their latest release strives to do not only that, but also create a pointed, self-encapsulating piece of work. Autumn, Again is available for free download or donations here. – Joe Poteracki
Drink drank drunk by A Sunny Day in Glasgow