HINTERLAND
The Picture Plane
Submerged Records
· Sophomore effort from ethereal Vancouver outfit is released on the band’s newly minted label.
Hinterland’s debut may have caught the ears of a few hometown fans and a little-known Michigan-based label, but ultimately the band remained true to its name, remaining on the fringe of indie music circles. The album was by no means forgettable but, sadly, few got a chance to hear the band’s melodic and spacey material.
Hinterland’s follow up, The Picture Plane, is set to change that. With more confidence and a more aggressive thrust to the material, the album immediately commands attention. The pseudo disco number "Sirens" that kicks off the album isn’t really representative of their moody indie rock, but that could be just the image they are trying to shed. Their sound swings from breathy 4AD-style pop, to epic post rock à la Explosions in the Sky, only to tighten the screws on "Inside Outside" and "Exit Signs" (an instant single if ever I heard one). At times Hinterland may fit a lightweight shoegazing label, but they wear it with a lot of style.
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