San Francisco drone-rockers Wooden Shjips have surprised us with a bright, acoustic track (‘acoustic version’ seems inappropriate when said track contains a lengthy electric guitar solo) from their upcoming LP Back to Land. The group’s insistence on nautical reference cuts right to the heart of “These Shadows”; the song sounds appropriate for turn of the century Galapagos explorations and long sips of strong cocktails on vast, sun-drenched beaches. The collision of reverb and guitar effects with the track’s sea shanty aspects remind me of New Zealand new wave act Split Enz, but there’s something almost like a sedated Life’s Rich Pageant era R.E.M. to “These Shadows” as well.
Back to Land is out November 12 via Thrill Jockey.
