i am Love - S/T (Self-Released)

At first sight—or rather first sound—*i am Love* may appear to be another band in a long line of indie rock groups like Arcade Fire or Fun., but upon listening to them, you’ll quickly realize something isn’t quite right. Interestingly, this Philadelphia band approaches these modern sounds with anything but the typical fare, using zithers, banjos, cello, horns, and, apparently, anything just lying around in order to achieve the desired effect. It’s similar to Belle & Sebastian’s method of taking the long way around, expanding exponentially all the while, to get to the same destination, but sounding all the more organic and unique for it.

On their new self-titled album, i am Love craft an impressive and ambitious work of art, and although considerably more low-tech than some of their influences, it ranks alongside of them in terms of sheer scope and magnitude. It’s like The Velvet Underground wanting to recreate the Wall of Sound with only a four piece and some cheap instruments, and in the process creating something just as beautiful. There’s a quirky sense of humor to a lot of their songs with song titles like “Pants on Fire” and “Stinkbug Serenade,” giving the album a somewhat endearing outsider feel, but the performances are entirely in earnest and absolutely stunning. i am Love will be released January 20th.