The Microphones - Tests

A collection of recordings about the act of recording -- complete with titles such as "Feedback Love," "Soundwaves," and "Preamp" -- Tests, the debut full-length from Phil Elvrum's Microphones, lays out much of the sonic groundwork that follows on subsequent releases. From echo-laden dub vignettes to psychedelic flourishes to Sonic Youth-inspired noise experiments to kiddie twee pop about "high pitch treble monsters," Elvrum paints from a wide palette. But, true to the title, Tests is a little too all-over-the-place to make for a satisfying album. Read More