Tartufi – These Factory Days

San Francisco trio Tartufi's penchant for lush sonic textures and gentle guitar picking shines through in every track of their sixth full-length. As such, it's tempting to lump them in with the “prettier” post-rock bands like Explosions in the Sky or Tortoise, but there's more afoot here than well-worn jumps between the peaceful and the chaotic; they're also skilled at the more subtle art of balancing sugary pop melodies with genuine unease.

 

Seldom, which pairs up a claustrophobic bassline with sweet, multi-layered vocals, is the sound of a band keen to capture the hearts of fans both indie rock fans and those who prefer their music a little more challenging and abrasive. Similarly, Furnace of Fortune is both frantic and blissful, as much of a hard rock song as it is an ambient one. It might prove too schizophrenic an experience for some, but These Factory Days ultimately wins out for its crossover appeal. [Ross Watson]