While the name Recluse Raccoon may have the sheen of simple children’s programing, the Richmond-based three-piece is far from delivering clean, simplistic tunes. Billing themselves as a psychedellic-jazz-pop band, the group is certainly not too shy to serve up angular melodies, but Recluse Racoon’s tracks never stray too far from structure–they often root themselves with a soft, driving tom-tom–and create tracks that edge toward experimental, but never feel loose. Maybe what’s most striking about the band is the voices–gossamer vocals that border on ghostly create a distinct, ethereal, quality to their songs. With a sound that inspires introspection, the band is definitely our suggestion for your next grey, moody day. You can catch Recluse Raccoon playing The Camel 12/9 with Lightfields, The Wimps and Get in the Car, but in the meantime, stream them below.-Olivia Sisinni
