FRUIT BATS - "TRIPPER"

"With a spacey lilt, [Eric D.] Johnson shapes his cosmic folk sensibilities into an elegant three- to four-minute pop song.  Usually anchored by some tasty chords on a guitar, the Fruit Bats’ tunes are sprinkled throughout with enough effects and noises to add mystery to the simplicity of their core structures." - Eric J. Lawrence, KCRW (CA)

Originally a solo project for Eric D. Johnson in 1997, Fruit Bats has turned into a folk rock mainstay. Since releasing their first record, Echolocation, in 2001, the band has turned out a new record every two years (with the exception of 2007 - which is OK with me, because I was busy that year). The band experienced a creative shift in 2009 when John reliqnuished his instrumental duties (with the exception of a little piano work), while recording Ruminant Band, allowing his bandmates more freedom. The same spirit is present in 2011's Tripper, the band's fifth studio album, which is out today via Sub Pop.

Check out the retro video for "You're Too Weird", featuring Johnson's glorious hand gestures, below.

- The Music Director