“Did I expect to do this shit once I got out of college? Hell no…” Durand Jones & The Indications’ sophomore album is dripping with the aesthetics of years past but planted firmly in the present; warm and sweet while communicating an urgency that is very much 2019. The breakout success of their self-titled debut have afforded the band the luxury of a decent recording budget (their debut was recorded for $450 and a case of booze), so they wasted no time getting in the studio to create “the record the Indications dreamed of making, fleshed out with strings, backing vocals, and a newfound confidence in songwriting.” Curtis Mayfield and Jackie Wilson are obvious touchstones, but listen closely and you’ll hear elements of golden era hip-hop and 70s folk; a testament to the band’s crate-digging background and kitchen sink pool of influences. Drummer Aaron Frazer lends his Stylistic-esque falsetto sweetness to lead single “Don’t You Know” as well as 5 other cuts.

• black vinyl pressing
• includes giant foldout poster
• digital download included
• music label: Dead Oceans 2019

reviewed by cico buff 09/2018