Luxury Weapons is a somewhat mysterious new trio led by guitarist/vocalist Bill Badgley (formerly of Federation X, who I'm unfamiliar with) alongside a Richmond, VA-based rhythm section—Trevere T. on bass/keys/backing vocals and Erik J. on drums—whose work I've been following for many years (between the two of 'em Hex Machine, Human Thurma, Joyburner, Hewolf, etc.). The project digitally issued its debut full-length, The Light in a Low Place, about a month back, which explores—at least to me—an oddly uncommon form of lightly sludge-tinged rock that utilizes an almost monotone singing over a quirkily restrained riffing approach that results in a surprisingly spacious mix. There is a density there, but nowhere near the style nor level that one might expect.
You'll find quite a bit of harmonizing between guitar and bass, and the sense of breathing room allows for a lot of really interesting detail in the contrast between the tones/textures of each instrument. Recorded in Athens, GA with an engineer who apparently apprenticed with Steve Albini (R.I.P.) way back when, this certainly makes sense given the beautifully warm and natural production values—especially noteworthy when it comes to the drums—and how much of a role those attributes play in the overall aesthetic of this material.
Things kind of teeter between semi-catchy repetition, not-quite-mathy twists, and slightly darker melodic atmospheres. Quite weird, but obviously cool. I'm absolutely not the most qualified, in-the-know dude when it comes to this pocket of sound, but not a single band comes to mind that I would draw even the lightest of comparisons, too—and I mean that as a high compliment.
Procure an LP or digital through Bandcamp. Stream via SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music, and so on.
