F.A.B. Distribution

April 1 street date. Absolutely Free has cultivated a decade-long reputation for an unorthodox approach to music. The Toronto psych pop trio’s Polaris nominated debut was hailed as “breathtakingly beautiful” (Stereogum) and a “deep-space cosmic-rock odyssey” (Pitchfork) upon its 2014 release. Aftertouch, the band's brilliant sophomore record, is a carefully wrought journey to our post-physical, hyper-digitized present. Introduced with the ascendant "How To Paint Clouds" – "a flying wedge of art pop" (Brooklyn Vegan) – and the kaleidoscopic "Interface" – "a pathway to another dimension" (CLASH) – the Jorge Elbrecht produced record (see Japanese Breakfast, No Joy, Gang Gang Dance) is a patina of disparate but harmonic styles. From austere New Wave to exultant IDM, it is inspired equally by Steve Reich and Laurie Spiegel as by A Certain Ratio, Magazine, YMO, (early) Simple Minds, and Talk Talk. Making reference to the name of a synthesizer function, Aftertouch deconstructs seismic shifts in culture, while lingering in the echoing sensations that remain. "Worth its weightless lingering in psychedelic gold" - Exclaim! / "Absolutely Free achieves prog-pop perfection... and it's glorious" - Brooklyn Vegan *Album of the Week*

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