Palms: It's Midnight in Honolulu

Label: Rare Book Room

Here’s another excellent release from Rare Book Room, but Palms is worlds apart from Lia Ices in sound and style. This unique duo features Ryan Schaefer and Nadja Korinth, and the two have a unique chemistry, despite the different backgrounds – Schaefer hailing from the midwest (though now residing in the city) while Korinth lives in Germany. It’s Midnight in Honolulu is often lovely and ethereal, but it’s also dark and a little jarring at times too. Korinth’s voice shows great range as well, singing with a Nico-ish staccato in the startling opener, “Der Koenig,” but practically whispering in the shimmering “New Moon,” which recalls Broadcast with its lush sounds. Schaefer also shows a deft touch, particularly in the Yo La Tengo-like indie stomper “Leather Daddies.” In short, Palms draws from a number of traditions, from pop to electronica to Krautrock, but they keep the record focused and interesting and always entertaining. Check this band out. (James)