The term “fusion” falls far short of communicating the latest sounds coming from Shmu. Austin’s outside-the-box bandleader has whipped up a glitchy synthesis of music’s creamiest genres: vaporwave, yacht rock, muzak, and smooth R&B.
Still, don’t confuse it for easy listening.
Drummer/singer/composer Samuel Chown calls his latest audio journey “post-internet pop music.” A departure from the unconventional shoegaze of 2015’s Shhh!!!!, forthcoming LP Lead Me to the Glow explores curvy sound waves, but maintains his bold and proggy musical tendencies while dealing with heavy themes like the afterlife, rebirth, and other realms of existence.
“Take this amulet to your grave. In another life, you may need it someday.”
So sings Chown alongside Calliope Musicals frontwoman Carrie Fussell on “Amulet.” The track redefines dream-pop with a sample-based approach to composition and rhythmic complexity that, at times, sounds like three songs playing at once. Somehow, through the vapor, a catchy song emerges.
Lead Me to the Glow is projected to hit the market this summer. New music also rumbles on the horizon from Chown’s flagship project Zorch. Additionally, look for his new collaboration with This Will Destroy You’s Chris King called Private Life.
This article appears in February 16 • 2018.