Literature | Chorus [ALBUM REVIEW]

Chorus, the sophomore album from Philadelphia’s Literature, kicks off with "The Girl, The Gold Watch, and Everything," and what an opening statement it is. The track has energy to burn, a healthy amount of ba-ba-bas, and even a punctuating horn section. It takes the term ‘twee’ completely off the table when discussing the band. Every song featured here is a journey. "Court Date" starts with buzzing guitars, then swerves into a chorus that’s all pounding toms and falsetto vocals. "Dance Shoes" begins wonderfully psychedelic but straightens out and puts you right on the dance floor with the help of a chiming guitar line that just bubbles along the song’s surface. The production by the band and engineer, Gary Olsen (Crystal Stilts), is clean, crisp, and inventive, but stays out of the way enough to let the songs and performances take top billing. Chorus, which is also the band’s debut for Slumberland Records, is the sound of a group at their most confident. Top-notch production, muscular musicianship, and oh so many hooks. It may not turn out to be the very best record of 2014, but it will probably turn out to be your favourite.