Cults

Static (Columbia)

The Bandcamp-to-Sony success of its eponymous 2011 debut, driven by chiming pop single “Go Outside,” prematurely pigeonholed Cults by launching them to the mainstream. Sophomore disc Static determines to prevent that fate, if not intentionally eschew it. Between releases, Brooklyn duo Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion split as a couple, so emotional baggage underlies the title’s shoegaze weight. Behind the former’s high-reaching vocals, the songs lilt an otherworldly sheen, shimmering across opener “I Know” and floating in Oblivion’s heavy guitar on “I Can Hardly Make You Mine.” A Beach House haze pervades throughout, even in the ethereal “Always Forever” and dark duet “Were Before.” Follin works aggressively on tone and lyrics in “So Far” and “Keep Your Head Up,” but doesn’t lose any pop rhythm amid the sonic wash and despair, even on closer “No Hope.” (3pm, Austin Ventures stage)

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This article appears in October 3 • 2014.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.