Lo Stereo is the newest full-length album from Decatur, Illinois-based lo-fi bedroom pop act, Riddle M. A fun mix of spacey indie rock, carefree jangle pop, and juxtaposed with more somber 80s synth ballads, Lo Stereo is like listening to a late night radio station from another dimension, where multiple decades of musical influence exist simultaneously. Lyrically the album is filled with tranquil musings and reflections on the mundane and the existential.
The album begins with pastoral keyboard chords and a mantra-like refrain on “Keyhead (Outer Space). We are quickly rocketed down into earth, to a roadside motel called the “Sunset Inn”, which may not be an ideal destination for a family vacation, with its pools of gin and loving to a vintage drum machine, whimsical key + vocal melody, and sunny, jangly acoustic guitars. This is apparently a real place at which the majority of the album was recorded. This slightly dejected, less than optimistic imagery is depicted throughout the album and is often paired with more jubilant and upbeat guitar-based instrumentation.
The album also has its share of ‘80s synths, like those found on album standout “Fight Little Truffle”. Another fantastic chime-like melodic synth part intercedes a repetitive and catchy verse and chorus. “Bubbles” also feels like an artifact of the 1980s with its The Jesus and the Mary Chain reminiscent drum fills, jangly guitar, and deadpan vocals. A slightly chorused guitar solo perfectly accents the moody track. “Sleeping On Earth” has a similar vibe. There are also nods to bands like Guided by Voices with the brief, yet memorable power pop of tracks like “Bird Claw” and “Silver Dollar Queen”.
Like an early Paul McCartney solo album, Lo Stereo is filled with fun little instrumental interludes and ditties, like “Peaches & Cream” and “Scarecrow” that results in a pleasant patchwork feeling album. There are also some contrasting moments on the album that descend into a darker realm like “Ugly”, “Haunt In Bed” and album closer “Waken (Your Love).
Lo Stereo is available digitally and on CDs, which are handmade with lots of love.
Written by John Brouk
