The Royal Arctic Institute - From Catnip to Coma (Already Dead Tapes & Records)

Led by guitarist John Leon (formerly of Roky Erickson’s ‘aughts backing band and Austin psych rockers Summer Wardrobe) and drummer Lyle Hysen (late of Das Damen and NYC hardcore legends Misguided), the Royal Arctic Institute functions as sort of a Northeastern counterpoint to California’s desert soundscapers Scenic on From Catnip to Coma. The band plays widescreen, cinematic instrumentals that call to mind sweeping vistas at dawn, or dusk – only the landscape is covered in snow instead of sand. The opening cut “Fishing By Lantern” tells the story immediately: echoing guitar figures and chord shapes from Leon, jazz-inflected rhythms from Hysen, ringing lead work from guitarist Lynn Wright, ambient keyboard washes courtesy of Carl Baggaley, and, as a secret weapon, melodic, foundational basslines from David Motamed (also ex-Das Damen, as well as Cell, Misguided and Two Dollar Guitar). “Shore Leave on Pharagonesia” follows suit, but even more tunefuly, while “Ghosts of the Great Library” adds uplifting major chords that stay atmospheric. The quintet takes on a more spectral air with “First of the Eight,” as the track builds on its circular guitar licks with a sense of impending drama and ends on a gentle note just as the tension becomes unbearable – this is a song that definitely takes place at twilight. “Anosmia Suite” ends the tour as it began, with drifting chords swaying out of the scenery as dawn just starts to break. Sublime and affecting.