Big Spider’s Back - Black Chow
Last summer, I happened upon and was considerably impressed with Big Spider’s Back’s—real name Yair Rubinstein of Seattle—debut EP Warped during my first flirtations with these things we call “music blogs”. Even though Rubinstein was a new musician on the bedroom pop scene, the EP was five tracks long and all killer, no filler. His songs have made appearances on many of the mixtapes I’ve made for my friends, and not just because of his awesome name for the project—the title track marches along cheerily with snare loops and chanting samples like a parade headed for St. Peter’s gate, and “Perfect Machine” builds layers upon layers of Animal Collective-esque vocals and pounding piano as it drowns in a shimmering pool of its own jubilation. Now, he’s finally returned with his debut full-length album, which you can grab at Circle Into Square in a format of your preference, and “Black Chow” is one of the samplings he’s released for free to whet any whistles. It’s a nicely balanced mix of deep, revving synths, twinkling piano, a hip-hop oriented beat, and his wistful vocal melodies. It may not be the most original-sounding song you’ll come across this week, but he pulls it all off with a level of finesse rare in those of his age and level of experience.
Also: if you dig this you might want to check out “Brigitte Bombay”, which features Universal Studios Florida and floats along in a perpetual state of dreamy nonchalance.
[mp3]
