Ursonaut

Genres these days are more meaningless than ever, and with Popular Crimes, Ursonaut underscores how pointless an exercise classification can be. For the bulk of the ep, Ursonouat operates in the mode of contemporary emo, but with a levity and willingness to experiment rarely found in a genre so traditionally self-serious. Incorporating noise and yacht rock into a sturdy foundation of smart, emotive rock, Popular Crimes is more concerned with creating good music than any particular kind of music.

 

Due to the skill of the instrumentalists and conviction of their impulses, it comes across as a natural statement with frequent moments of delight. 

Leadoff track “Broken Compass” for evolves from a shoegaze intro into a Death Cab for Cutie-esque verse, which drips into a Steely Dan-lite chorus. It’s a whirlwind of misdirection that introduces a bait and switch for the rest of the ep: the majority of these songs full-throttle rock and roll. “Antlers,” “Minor Myth,” and “Not Our Storm” are gritty bangers, rife with mathy breakdowns, chaotic squalls, and surprising effects.

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While the drums and vocals are a little further forward than I’m accustomed to, the recording maintains a nice balance. Fun panning and ample dynamics give the production a lot of room to explore, and like the songs, the risks taken generally pay off – for instance in the envelope filter sounds underscoring the chorus of “Minor Myth.”

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Of course none of it would work if the songs weren’t solid. The performances sound like veterans having fun, with talented players performing well-written tunes. The singing is excellent, with a capable if mildly familiar delivery. The progressions throughout are thoughtful, with moments of inspired songwriting like the minor melody tacked over the one-note riff of “Not Our Storm.”

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Throughout each of the five songs on Popular Crimes, Ursonaut shows they not only have the foundations for established genres, but the chops to explore outward from there. Rarely does emotional music manage to be both impactful and wistful. Ursonaut’s non-precious approach makes for an adventurous and rewarding listen.