Become Friendly With Netherfriends

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 25, 2010 5:40PM

Chicago’s Netherfriends hold a special place in our hearts. Since Shawn Rosenblatt started the psych-pop project back in 2007, we’ve witnessed it thrive from just a struggling, little-known local secret to the notable indie act it is today. So naturally we’ve been pretty psyched about the release of their debut LP, Barry and Sherry. But the new album doesn’t seem to be getting the attention we expected. Maybe this is because it’s so easy for a digital-only release to get lost in the endless sea of online music.

Or maybe it’s because the album doesn’t quite deliver the catchy hooks and sing-song tunes that we’ve been led to expect. While last year’s EP Calling You Out delivered the type of psychedelic pop that had us referring to Netherfriends as a more melodic Animal Collective, the new album seems even more AC-inspired as it shifts focus from melody to atmosphere. Take for instance the album’s lead single and opening track, "Bret Easton Ellis Novel." With whirling guitar riffs, rambling vocals and faraway shouts, it’s got a dreamier, waftier feeling than Netherfriends’ previous work.

Though Barry and Sherry, which was named after Rosenblatt’s parents, is only available in digital form right now, he plans to release it on vinyl once he accumulates the funds or finds someone willing to do it pro bono. You can preview the LP for free through Bandcamp, but if you dig it, throw down the $6.50 for the download so Netherfriends can get to work on the next album and, you know, eat. Rosenblatt is after all homeless - he gave up his apartment in April to start his “50 songs for 50 states” tour. He’s been trekking across the country since, crashing the couches of fans and friends and recording a new song in each state. We’re excited to see how nomadic life has transformed his sound, and hopefully we hear a few of these new tracks when Netherfriends plays Pitchfork July 15.