Ducktails - St. Catherine

Ducktails
St. Catherine
2015

Breezy, would be one of the most apt words when trying to describe the sound that Ducktails create especially on their newest album St. Catherine. Their Lo-Fi sound has always been appealing to the casual indie rock listener but on this record in particular they achieve a balance somewhere between surf rock and Sunny Day Real Estate that strikes at a very pleasurable core. This album is super easy to get lost in and next thing you know you are at the end. Everything floats along at a pace quick enough not to get boring but slow enough not to rock the boat. It starts off with the all instrumental "The Disney Afternoon" which sets the tone for the entire album dictating the pace and vibe that the listener is about to get into. When Matt Mondanile's vocals do come in they fit just perfectly with the vibe that St. Catherine attempts to create. This album seems to be the most focused of Ducktails' five and has a clear voice and perspective.

There is something to be said for an album like St. Catherine that on a visceral level is really enjoyable. It sounds so light and ethereal is almost the perfect description here. "Heaven's Room" is filled with strings and a stacoto choir in the background lifting it up into something than it could possibly be on its own. This record works hard to create something quite beautiful but never feels like it is. It is an effortless listen. Another great aspect of this record is after a first listen you know there is more there, the lyrics have a great sense of meaning and on a song like "Surreal Exposure" you are hearing something really special and thoughtful. St. Catherine is an interesting and special record and one you absolutely should not miss. 

8.7 out of 10