Relax with Moodrings' Tranquil Tunes

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 7, 2011 7:00PM

Moodrings describe their music as “healing & easy listening,” and that’s pretty dead-on. The Atlanta-based four-piece traffics in the type of soothing dreampop that makes you want to stare musingly out a window for hours. They’re on the verge of the release of their new EP, Sweater Weather Forever. The four-song collection is suitably titled, as it seems to embrace the kind tranquil melancholy often associated with fall - a season of reflection, transition and “mellow fruitfulness,” as Keats calls it in his ode "To Autumn."

The EP opens, for example, with “Indian Hills,” an unhurried pop melody led by a sluggish bass line and pleasantly plucked guitar. Breathy vocals alternate between ethereal ‘ooh oohs’ and observant (though often inaudible) lyrics like, “I took a walk from Indian Hills. I found a statue. It was made of gold.” The simple rhythms, atmospheric textures, and airy vocals are constant through the album. Its single, “Year of Dreams,” is a sensual soundscape featuring, again, nearly whispered vocals and a lackadaisical rhythm driven by gently strummed guitar.

Moodrings are currently touring the states in support of Sweater Weather Forever, and will be making a stop in Chicago to play the Empty Bottle on January 19. Also performing are local acts BIGCOLOUR and Glitter Bones. Moodrings will officially release the new album February 1 through Pink House Tapes and other Atlanta-based labels, but you can pick up a copy early at their Empty Bottle show. And in the meantime, you can download the album’s single “Year of Dreams” free through their Bandcamp site.

Moodrings play Wednesday, January 19 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 9:30 p.m., $5 at the door, $3 in advance, 21+