Relay: Type/Void
Bubblecore

Six shoegaze anthems by Philadelphia band Relay whet the appetite for the release of its full-length debut in October. Type/Void's worth checking out, not simply because only one of the EP's songs will re-appear on the album, but also because of its superior songcraft. Guitars chime and roar throughout while hushed vocals ride swooning melodies atop a clangorous synths and drums base. “Parallel” and “Disposable On the Couch” shows Relay is equally comfortable with dreamy instrumentals (the clarinet motif an especially nice touch) and psychedelia, respectively, but anthemic ravers like “Driver” and “Half Of” most clearly suggest where the band's heart truly lies.

September 2006