If there’s a better title for a genre accused of elevating sound over song than Pure Mood, it’s not copyrighted. Previously pigeonholed ATX psych trio Ringo Deathstarr emerges at its most diverse and song-oriented on this third full-length. High contrast on the first two tracks – the ethereal “Dream Again” and acid grunge of “Heavy Metal Suicide” – immediately dispel any notions of relying solely on sonic overload. The undulating “Boys in Heat” and slithering “Guilt” amp pedal-board smear, but strong melodies and attention to auditory detail go beyond first impression. “Acid Tongue” and the blatantly poppy “Show Me the Truth of Your Love” demonstrate the band’s thought as much about lyrics as hooks. Even the raging “Never” has something to offer beyond immersion in feedback hell. Finally, “Frisbee” and “Stare at the Sun” find bassist Alex Gehring and guitarist Elliott Frazier deftly shifting between shimmer and shred over hip-grinding grooves from drummer Daniel Coborn. Pristinely produced by Frazier, Pure Mood belies its title by championing substance over style.

****

This article appears in January 29 • 2016.

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Michael Toland started writing about music in 1988 on the Gulf Coast, moved to Austin in early 1991, and has inflicted bylines upon the corporeal and digital pages of Pop Culture Press, The Big Takeover, Blurt, Amplifier, Austin.citysearch, the Austin American Statesman, Goldmine, Sleazegrinder, Rock & Roll Globe, High Bias, FHT Music Notes, and, since 2011, The Austin Chronicle.