Hey, have you met The Depreciation Guild? You may already be acquainted with vocalist/guitarist Kurt Feldman and guitarist Christoph Hochheim’s other band, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart. A lot has happened since The Depreciation Guild released its debut album, “In Her Gentle Jaws” in the fall of 2007. Initially available as a free download, “In Her Gentle Jaws” was picked up by Kanine Records, who signed the band and released the remastered album on CD and vinyl last year. The band added a live drummer, Anton Hochheim, and has trekked across the country and beyond with the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Cymbals Eat Guitars, School of Seven Bells and most recently, Norwegian noise rockers Serena-Maneesh.
The Depreciation Guild returns strong with a mature, pensive sophomore album, “Spirit Youth.” While the Famicom is more apparent in “In Her Gentle Jaws,” the more subtle use of the gaming system’s oscillating beeps shifts the band closer to dream pop than to 8-bit music. Recorded during the summer of last year, “Spirit Youth” yields a slicker coat of production helmed by Telefon Tel Aviv’s Joshua Eustis. The richer album is a seamless collection of melodious tunes adorned with lush, amorous guitars and striking drums. The lovelorn lyrics, sonic evocation of dream pop bands of yesteryear and sounds of the Nintendo that have long been muffled and neglected in closets leave listeners with a sense of longing for the days of our youth. Celebrate the release of “Spirit Youth,” which drops on May 18, at the band’s record release show with Wild Nothing and Braids at the Knitting Factory on May 25. P.S. This is the video of the song "Nautilus", from their debut CD, songs from upcoming album can be streamed here. – Nancy Chow