The just released two-track EP “Psychic Slack” from Brooklyn rockers Chimes is presented as something of a genre defining statement, featuring an evident shift from shoegaze influences, embraced in the previous single, to a style more indebted with psychedelia and punk. Side A’s “Total Sunflower” alternates between Winston Scarlett’s bass guitar driven forward throttle and vocalist/guitarist Jesse Benicaso’s casual near-spoken-word verses. Pulsating guitar drone wig outs from Jesse and guitarist Linda Chen modulate with unhinged abandon, while Sarah Peterson’s rock solid beat never falters underneath. B-side “Rinso” focuses on heavy flanged guitar wash pans throughout the stereo field as female fronted tandem-vocals take a turn. The tracks longer form (4:45 in length) provides more room for instrumental forays and an extended ambient end-out. – Dave Cromwell
