Lazy soundscapes, ringing guitar, icy synth, feather-light vocals, and actual compelling tunes. One of Chicago’s brightest new bands, Lightfoils pushes the shoegaze genre into new territory. Formed in 2010, the band is comprised of Neil Yodnane and Zeeshan Abbasi on guitars, Jane Zabeth on vocals, Cory Osborne on bass and John Rungger on drums.

Building on their debut EP, Hierarchy was produced by Sanford Parker. 'Polar Waves' welcomes you with guitars that chime and ring, before the track slowly lifts you blissfully into space. 'Last One', which seethes with a simmering intensity and propulsive rhythm section.

While an interesting sound, I couldn't help feel that this will get very old very quickly. The tracks all seem to merge into one and, with the exception of 'Diastolic', there's nothing that really grabs you. There is an almost ethereal feel to these tracks, but after a couple of listens I'd had enough.

It's interesting, it's new, it's bizarre and it might just be to your taste. You'll either love it or loathe it.

6

Nick Smithson