Instead of conjuring visions of dusty book stacks and sticklers fussing with card catalogs, it’ll be all summer shimmer and dream-pop at The Love Language’s July 17 CD release party for their Merge debut, Libraries. Ten tracks of loping, disheveled melodies tended by the deceivingly candid Stuart McLamb, the record strips out the lo-fi crackle of the debut disc to ambitious ends. The result is a depth of sound on record that requires a seven-strong merry band of indie-stalwarts to reproduce live. Perky tambourine slaps, bouncy guitar riffs and a wash of reverb deliver with vintage charm, but shy from nostalgic melancholy. The language of love may cut, but the music is an excellent and lively distraction. The Light Pines, a project of Love Language bassist Josh Pope, takes second billing at the show. Some Drughorse Collective conglomeration of members, The Light Pines’ flair for volatile compositions trades the languid tenor of McLamb’s compositions for a driving, pop-rock bombast. Grunge blues guerrillas Sh*t Horse open. Tickets are $8 adv./$10 at the door. Visit CatsCradle.com for more info on the show and stream Libraries in its entirety for a limited time at MergeRecords.com.
