Review: Harlan The Unlit Century

Harlan seemed bursting at the seams with musical ideas on their stunning 2008 album Spiderette, and if their digital EP The Unlit Century is any evidence, there was plenty left over. The title track pitter-patters over an extended mesh of synthesizers, pianos, and little noises, everything from handclaps to the “sounds of the demolition of Baton Rouge’s infamous Highland Shopping Center at the end of the tune.” The song “Typical Daylight” in turn reveals Harlan’s halcyon power-pop side. The melody unfurls like a daydream on a long drive where “you’re sick of every song/from Birmingham to Memphis, there is nothing but preachers and parasites on.”

Interwoven amongst the pop numbers are two outtakes from Spiderette named “Orchestra.” The first, subtitled “(When I’m Sleeping),” is a plush pillow of melancholy and glowing country amber. The second, “(By the Way),” is reminiscent of the Church, one of the band’s strongest influences. These songs are gorgeously wrought—perfectly dense yet airy. They might have gotten lost in Spiderette’s careful architecture but are allowed to shine on their own here. If all this is not enticement enough, all the proceeds from download sales go toward brain cancer research. Great album, great cause. Available exclusively at cytunes.org/album/57/. thestillbeat.com

Recommended if you like: Wilco, the Church, the warmth of your headphones?Essential Tracks: “The Unlit Century,” “Typical Daylight”