by Dan Goldin (@paintingwithdan)
Special World, the anything goes solo project of Andy Molholt (Speedy Ortiz, Laser Background, The Armchairs), is a kaleidoscopic wonder, gloriously refracting its sound into ever warped shapes. The ability to chase ideas into strange rabbit holes of sonic manipulation while retaining an otherwise psychedelic art pop core is what gives the project its magic, and Special World happen to have that ability in spades. Following the release of last year’s majestic self-titled EP, Molholt and co. return with “Big Apple, 3am,” a brand new single that captures the heart of the band. Together with Izzy Reidy (bass) and Eric Slick (drums), the band have delivered much more than a fantastic noir tinged title (and one of the better hours to stroll with headphones on through the city), but a delightfully askew song with a Grant Bouvier video to match.
Due out later this month on a lathe cut 7” via PIAPTK Recordings (Sun Ra, Dominic Angella, The Polyphonic Spree) to coincide with Special World’s upcoming tour (dates below), the song is a gorgeous slink through surreal dream space, removed from the chaos and the noise and free to wander into the a temporary calm world. With the seeds of the song written nearly two decades ago, all is certainly not what it would seem, but it’s all the better as a result. Disorientation rarely sounds so stunning. Just as you’ve become lost in the night’s glow, Molholt’s vocals hit with an alien magnetic tape like presence. Decidedly warbling, Special World put an instinctual degree of humanity into an otherwise inhuman terrain.
Catch Special World on tour:
5/02 – Reading, PA @ Pleasuretone DIY
5/05 – Philadelphia, PA @ Space 1026
6/05 – Queens, NY @ Cassette
6/06 – Pittsburgh, PA @ The Government Center
6/07 – Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
6/08 – Indianapolis, IN @ State Street Pub
6/09 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle (Free Monday)
6/10 – Hamtramck, MI @ Outer Limits Lounge
6/11 – Cleveland, OH @ Happy Dog
6/12 – Morgantown, WV @ The Encore
6/13 – Washington, DC @ Comet Ping Pong
6/14 – Pine Barrens, NJ @ Friendship Mountain
6/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's