Media

The Clean: "Tensile" (MP3)

4:02 p.m. · September 1, 2009 · by Matthew Fiander

With most bands, getting just what you'd expect would be a let down. Not so with The Clean on "Tensile." The first preview from their upcoming album, Mister Pop, finds them firmly planted in their long-standing krautrock-y side, as the song thunders along on a driving grind. The bass riff takes the steady lead over the swirling bed of guitars while the vocals get coated in robotic effects, offering a touch of cool over the hissing fever of the music. You'll nod your head along with this immediately, although it might take a second for the deeply imbedded melody to sink in. But trust me, once it's in your head, it ain't leaving.

So, like I said, it's what you'd expect from the Clean. Which is to say top-notch rock music from guys who manage to keep their sound fresh even though they've been making it for longer than most of the Prefix community has been alive.

Mister Pop, the band's first new album in eight years, is out Sept. 8 on Merge, and you can preorder it now by going here.