.Thee More Shallows

More Deep Cuts

Near the end of the first Austin Powers movie, Dr. Evil taunts his groovy nemesis: “There’s nothing worse than an aging hipster.” Indeed, many (allegedly) cutting-edge bands sound like retreads of styles worn out ten, fifteen years ago. But SF’s Thee More Shallows don’t prompt that ol’ blasé déjà vu. Whereas most bands can be described and/or dismissed with a few words, Thee More Shallows defy such classification by truly integrating diverse influences into their approach. Like Low, their minimalist composure practically dares you to listen closely to the songs, especially Dee Kesler’s vocals, a comforting as-if-from-a-dream murmur. While their well-thought use of strings and minor-key melodies recall ’60s icons Left Banke and Love, there’s nothing “retro” about these guys. Instead of dynamic, grab-you hooks, TMS’ melodies faintly insinuate themselves into your psyche via cyclic structures, shimmering orchestrations, and judicious feedback/noise. Imagine a serene My Bloody Valentine, or if Lambchop took inspiration from post-Syd Barrett Pink Floyd; anyway you cut it, More Deep Cuts is a singular gem.

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