Fluorescent Grey, by Deerhunter (CD single on Kranky)

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This record left our Phil feeling ecstatic.

Single of the year then. I realised this was gonna be our single of the year about 4 months ago when I played it about 30 times in a row and drove the wife mad. This is by far one of the finest 4 track EP's I've heard in years and it takes me back to the days when bands like My Bloody Valentine were around making not only great singles but great B sides. You'd get excited about a bands B sides cos you knew they'd be good. These days it seems like bands have one song and the whole marketing is around that. Sure there's the odd exception but in general this is sadly the case these days.

So why is 'Fluorescent Grey' so good? Recorded after the Cryptograms sessions it follows on from the end of the album where the band are doing their more upbeat thing. The title track of the EP sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it. When the wall of sound guitars come in, the stomping Mary Chain esque drums and the ethereal almost shoegazey vocals hit you in the face you''re floored. Well I am... the melodies, the guitars, the vocals... this tune has it all. Then we shift a gear down to Dr Glass which has a Blonde Redhead ish vibe to it along with some lazy sounding organs. Another great tune! Hang on though, 'Like New' comes a popping in and is a perfect blend of Sonic Youth and the Cocteau Twins with a heavy shoegazey feel to it. I love that tune.... Finally the EP ends with Wash Off which is pretty much like 'Dirty' era Sonic Youth. It completely rocks and you'll be singing the words "I was 16" for weeks to come. I really can't recommend this EP enough. It's CD only though if you're a vinyl head you can find it tacked onto side 4 of the Cryptograms album. This is some of the best and most exciting guitar music to come out of America in a long time (for me anyway!)

This record left our Rude Mingus feeling happy.

Another Kranky missive is a new ep by Deerhunter. Percussive, loosed grooved and held down keyboard loop lines, layered vocals with a quiet-loud-quiet style dynamic. Makes me feel like delving further into their back catalogue. Their list of instruments make them sound like a studio bound affair, but, forth track "Wash Off" sounds like a good live proposition- chiming fx, crushing beats, repetitive vocals and wall of sound chorusing appeals. (PS this is f***ing ace!!- Phil)

Cryptograms by Deerhunter (CD, £12.49)

Microcastle by Deerhunter (LP, £12.99)

Microcastle by Deerhunter (CD, £9.29)

Nothing Ever Happened by Deerhunter (7", £2.49)