by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
It turns out that sometimes the best plan of action is to just wing it. Brooklyn’s Should’ve have embraced that principle with Improvised On The Brink Of Collapse, a new EP whose title is as literal as they come. With a pair of releases prior to the pandemic and and frequent local shows, the band, much like everyone else, was thrown off course. In turn, they made a record that is “off course” from their previous material, one built solely on improvisation, and the band have never sounded more focused. Rather than an improv record of squealing noise and harsh structures, Should’ve have moved into the cosmic krautrock territory, occupying a space that draws elements from Can, Wooden Shjips, Föllakzoid, and maybe even a touch of June of 44. Due out November 18th via Spirit Lust (Blue Yonder, Adam Sierz, Dale Jr), the EP is wandering deep in the outer realms of space and time, stumbling along without a map.
“Desolation or How I Learned To Fear The Pit” is our introduction to the new freedom explored by the quartet, an expansive trip down the rabbit hole. At nearly nine minutes in length, the song is in no rush to get anywhere but the rhythms and ominous guitars are engaging from the start as they slowly shake out and take form. With drums that would make Jaki Liebezeit proud, their improvisation is rather focused and it’s clear the band are certainly all on the same page. They feel dialed in and the result is mesmerizing, slowly building, working off each other as the construction evolves and the lines blur. Should’ve lull you into a warbling trance and eventually the ground opens, with distorted guitar swallowing all sensibility. It’s rather impressive and we hope that Should’ve will continue to follow their instincts, wherever they may go.