It's hard to separate
Church and its state, being that the band hails from Oregon, that bastion of gray skies and bedroom recordings. This Portland trio has a quiet, homespun grandeur that should compel fans of Grizzly Bear's delicate harmonies and whirring electronics. On the track
"Hidden Tone," the group builds that softness against dissonant post-punk guitar distortion, throwing a couple hairpin turns into the tune.
We're not quite sure if this Church worships God (there are crosses lining the top of its site) or just bows down before an attention-grabbing name (on its
MySpace page, the group has a big photo of a dog under "influences."). But if you find yourself converted after listening, Church plays
Project One on Tuesday, May 19.