Airport by Idle Ray

The creative process for Michigan-based indie pop band Idle Ray is to write as many songs as possible and see what sticks. Though the group began as a solo recording project for Fred Thomas (Saturday Looks Good To Me, Tyvek, Winged Wheel, etc. etc.), it grew into a fully-functioning band with the inclusion of fellow songwriters and players Frances Ma and Devon Clausen. Working towards their second LP, Even in the Spring, this trio worked on somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 songs over the course of two years, landing on the ten succinct and fuzzy-but-catchy rippers that made it onto the album. For one of the many sessions, friend of the band Jayson Gerycz (Cloud Nothings, Swisher) played drums on six of Fred's songs, some of the more energetic tunes considered for the record. Two of these six songs appear on Even in the Spring, but the remaining four felt so of-a-piece, it was hard to either discard them completely or integrate them into another release. Compartmentalizing them on the time-honored format of the 7" EP, however, felt perfect.

"Eternal Fade" was released on streaming services shortly after it was originally tracked, but this version is a different mix, one made to amplify the over-caffeinated Dinosaur Jr. vibes and correct some wonky vocal moments. The other three songs flow from there, with the jangly "Allison, Walking Away Again" bouncing happily along, "Memories Burn (Whenever You Dream)" sounding like an agnsty Pavement demo from between Slanted and C.R.C.R., and the final track "Airport" zipping by in three minutes, straightforward and no-nonsense in it's compact pop delivery. While memorable and nostalgic songs with waves of lo-fi guitars are Idle Ray's key export, these four songs live in a neighborhood of their own in the band's universe, with Jayson's melodic drumming style pushing them a little harder and shaking them into new shapes. While a little hesitation and reflection can be imperative to a good melancholy indie rock song, these songs cut immediately to a nervy, excitable core instead. It's a classic 12 minute listening experience, meant to be flipped repeatedly as needed or until the anxiety of the day dissipates.

Devon, Frances, Fred with help on drums from Nick, Emily, and Jayson.