Stream Cuddle Magic & Phyllis Chen’s Self-titled Album Before Release [premiere]

Cuddle Magic can always be counted on for great left-of-center pop, and with their new record, they’re sure to cement their place as one of the premier avant-guard pop acts today. Teaming up with toy piano virtuoso Phyllis Chen, the new self-titled album finds the band looping percussive and dissonant rhythms over the already lush and layered sounds. It’s quirky, but not overwhelmingly so — it’s music that uses the strange, disjointedness of the toy piano rather than resting solely on the playful sound. It never gives in to the impulse to rest on a gimmick but explores the darker sonic tendencies, the almost horror music like feel of Chen’s piano to create an atmosphere that perfectly straddles the line between fascinating and fun.

We couldn’t be happier that we are able stream the record before it’s 4/8 release on FYO Records. Listen above, and be sure to get it when it comes out. Believe me, you’ll want to hear this far more than once.