The reclusive and prolific anonymous composer Tonality*Star is putting out his first full length album backed by a band; he calls this incarnation of the project PWRHAUS. PWRHAUS stays true to the descending pop melodies, ambling pace, and linear songwriting approach typical of Tonality*Star releases, complete with Mr. Star’s classic air, whisper-voice, which bears resemblance to the throaty resonance of vocalists like Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow. However, unlike a Tonality*Star show, at a PWRHAUS show you’re likely to see the stage overloaded with musicians and instruments: guitar, bass drums, piano, sax, even the possibility of a cello. In light of this lineup of instruments, don’t expect the crazy electronic texture pads present in Tonality*Star shows, but instead a more organic and earthy approach to nu-pop. Imagine if his old sound melted itself in a pot with a hunk of ’60s beachy love songs and stirred itself around a bit. PWRHAUS will release their first full length recording, Magic Spell, Monday night at Mississippi Studios.
To keep with the surreal, meandering indie-pop energy, Lady Lazarus will make an appearance to bolster the lineup. Her music is intimate and minimalist in terms of accompaniment–most songs are just piano and a single voice–but is reinforced with a brilliant wash of reverb that puts its grandiosity level at even with early Grizzly Bear, while the tone curbs and balances this effect with a melancholia that deviates the sound in the direction of Grouper.
– Bryce Woodcock