One thing I really like about this Postmarked Stamps series is how well the bands complement each other, even if they don’t sound particularly alike. The acts here have very little in common – very broadly, they could both be bracketed ‘indiemo’ – but share a general wan, yearning vibe that ensures their sharing this split makes perfect sense.
Mt. Oriander kick things off, and if you heard that excellent, underrated Parting 10″ that sncl co-released then you’ll know what to expect – this being singer Keith Latinen’s solo project and all. Thoughtful, autumnal indie rock is the order of the day, with lots of twinkles, swoops and poetically-inclined lyrics. I’m minded of bands like Pop Unknown and Knapsack, which is totally fine with me.
Breaking up the Mt. Oriander tracks are Engagements, and they are great. Their sound hops about a bit, sometimes brash, spry and noisy while at others more contemplative. I hear elements of The Van Pelt, Reiziger and that first Firebird Suite 7″ in the mix, while closing track ‘Paths’ starts with a jarring bout of dissonance before settling into something that swirls together Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine. Like Mt. Oriander, they have this slightly-sad-but-not-wallowing-in-it quality to them that is subtle but also hard to shake: like a reassuring hand on your shoulder when times are tough but you don’t particularly want to talk about it.