From Catnap to Coma, the Royal Arctic Institute’s first full exploratory mission in their current five-piece incarnation, showcases the New York City rock band’s distinct blend of instrumental, post-punk, cinematic jazz. The EP was recorded and produced by Yo La Tengo bassist James McNew in the historic Neumann Leathers factory in Hoboken, New Jersey. All the pieces were created communally, with deconstruction then reconstruction of material initially composed by guitarist John Leon. McNew recorded the band in a live setting with minimal overdubs or digital magic.

The EP is streaming as one continuous piece rather than five separate streams. Band co-founders John Leon and Lyle Hysen shared their reasoning with the Big Takeover:

“It’s not easy to stay focused these days. But we hope that you have a half-hour to listen to From Catnap to Coma in one straight setting,” they said. “We wrote and recorded the album to be experienced like a fever dream. The tracks all segue in an attempt to pull you under the waves while you slip into (hopefully) glorious oblivion. So hit that ‘focus’ button on your phone, shut off those ‘Odd Couple’ reruns and hit play.”

Leon and Hysen originally formed the Royal Arctic Institute in 2016 along with OG bassist Gerard Smith. This lineup recorded two albums before disbanding and subsequently reforming as a quintet in early 2020 at the outset of the COVID pandemic.

From Catnap to Coma drops Friday on Already Dead Tapes & Records. It will be available on cassette, as a paid download, and on streaming platforms.

Check out the EP two days early right here:

For more on the Royal Arctic Institute, go here:

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