Anyway [Red & Black Colored Vinyl]

Anamanaguchi - Anyway [Red & Black Colored Vinyl]

Anyway, the latest album from influential quartet Anamanaguchi, may come as a bit of a surprise to new fans, but for longtime listeners the album coalesces into a sound that was always there - it just wasn't quite ready to come out yet. For a band that's constantly pushing new boundaries, Anyway is the first full-length to feature vocals from the group. After using computers and programming to deliver their melodic character, the band instead wanted to tap into something familiar, yet altogether brand new - themselves. The birthplace of the album was Champaign-Urbana, IL - home to their record label, Polyvinyl Records - but more specifically, home to the now iconic house featured on the cover of American Football's debut self-titled album. It was here where Anamanaguchi lived together for just under a month, writing and demoing out songs that would become Anyway. When it came time to record, the band linked up with legendary producer Dave Fridmann (MGMT, Flaming Lips, Sleater-Kinney) at Tarbox Road Studios. They were encouraged to track songs live, with spontaneous performances recorded to tape. They tracked down vintage amp speakers and old gear to create a new sound palette - new environments of distortion. The band played in the room all together, with the drums exploding from wall-to-wall. Everything was mixed on the board and decisions were made rapid-fire - there was no undo button. The result is a warm, analog rock record that showcases the band's collaborative spirit. From the swirling drive of ''Magnet,'' to the uplifting bounce of ''Buckwild,'' Anyway is a collection of bangers that would've killed on late-90s MTV. Anyway - the sort of thing you say to get a conversation back on topic - captures the experience of four best friends reviving their connection in a disconnected world. It's equal parts emotional risk and ease, with stories of loss, kindness, and renewal.