I'm a little late giving a shout to the fourth full-length from Umeå, Sweden indie rock juggernauts Statues, who've been on quite a productive run since their inception. Dopamine presents 10 new tracks of rugged-yet-crisp indie rock that's equal parts melodically jangly and noisily punky. At times the writing leans a bit more shimmery and spacious, others more hard-hitting and directly catchy. The group's certainly drawing from a far wider range of influences than what I'm describing here (there's an added twang to "Cures," and "Occupational" and "Dopamine Hits" even break out some judicious horns!?), but always carries the unique identity that tends to be attributed to the longstanding past efforts of some of the band's core members (Kevlar, etc.).
Excellent production, too, which allows plenty of breathing room for each element. Warm and natural all around, and well-detailed without being the slightest bit over-polished.
Dopamine is out now on CD, LP, and cassette through ORD on Bandcamp. Maybe one day all this international shipping/tariff bullshit will resolve to the point where I can actually buy a copy!?
