Real Numbers Stream Album Wordless Wonder due out on 14 October via Slumberland
Share “New Boy”
Stream Wordless Wonder via Flood Magazine
Album due out on 14 October via Slumberland
Wordless Wonder is the long awaited debut full length from Minneapolis-based DIY/mod/C86 inspired/indie pop band Real Numbers. You can stream it in full via Flood Magazine, who said: “From the opening pings of “Frank Infatuation,” the group barrel through a set of clean, bright, and altogether polite punk songs that sound more Glaswegian than they do midwestern.”
You can also check out the single “New Boy” via Brooklyn Vegan who said: “Their seemingly shambly indie pop sound is a style a lot of bands attempt but few can actually pull off.”
Wordless Wonder follows up a pair of 12″ EPs on Three Dimensional Records, a single on Florida’s Dying, and recent appearances on cassettes from Forged Artifacts and No Problem. Tenderly crafted by Matt Castore at his St. Paul, MN studio A Harder Commune from late 2015 to early 2016, it is presented here on Slumberland Records for your enjoyment.
Members of the band include Eli Hansen (Cozy, Boys Club, Retainers) on vocals and guitars, John Eggerman (Cozy, Private Interests, Mystery Date) on bass, and James Blackfield (France Camp, Nice Purse) on drums. The addition of full time lead guitar player Ian Nygaard (Nice Purse, Howler) reveals a much fuller sound while maintaining the band’s trademark DIY simplicity.
As for the songs… The three chords of “Falling Out” sparkle with layered melodies reinforcing the poignant tale of an embarrassed boy having to explain to his parents why he fell out of a car. Other contemplative topics include 60’s biker flicks (“Just So Far Away”) and a Welshman’s infidelity (“Only Two Can Play”). Throughout the album, happy harmonies intermingle with sadness-laced larks. The title track, an introspective meta-composition about the frustrations of lyrical penmanship, rewards the astute listener with light pleasantries.
Tracking was a layered affair with a focus on guitars. “We wanted something different than previous releases which had a very ‘live’ production,” explains Eli. This was accomplished by doubling most rhythm tracks, stacking leads and – on a few songs – adding a 12-string acoustic, Eli’s “new favorite instrument.” Continuing their flirtations with keys (see the solo on 2013’s “Ordeal”) Matt Castore’s wind organ closes side one, while Eli’s childhood Casio SK-1 adds depth to the side two closer “This Happy Sadness” – a song simultaneously about a mix-tape, failing relationships, and Matt Haynes’ pre-Sarah fanzine “Are You Scared To Get Happy.”
Wordless Wonder is due 14 October on Slumberland Records, click here to pre-order the album.
Real Numbers
Wordless Wonder
Slumberland Records
Street Date: October 14, 2016
Track List:
1. Frank Infatuation
2. Wordless Wonder
3. Just So Far Away
4. Only Two Can Play
5. Falling Out
6. New Boy
7. Public Domain
8. Sister’s Serving Tray
9. Up & About
10. This Happy Sadness
https://www.facebook.com/real.nums
http://www.slumberlandrecords.com/catalog/show/307