Deerhunter - Rainwater Cassette Exchange EP

Okay, this is how EPs should be done. Five songs in fifteen minutes that serve to remind us just what a freakish talent Bradford Cox actually is. As his gorgeously restrained voice ekes out unforgettable melodies, Deerhunter's similarly economical rhythm section propel the songs through numerous subtle and affecting changes. Disappearing Ink is surely one of the simplest and most devastating songs they've laid down, while Game of Diamonds is right up there with the best material from 2008 LP Microcastle, replete with that album's dreamy, hallucinogenic vibe. Deerhunter are evidently a band at the height of their powers; put simply, this is great music made by people who sound like they genuinely love what they're doing. Incredible.