One Track Mind

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There is something delightfully low-key about Air Conditioning School, the new project from Minneapolis songwriter Chris Heidman. Heidman may be familiar to some readers as the former vocalist for Sukpatch, whose records were released by high profile indie imprints including Sub Pop, Moshi Moshi, and Grand Royal. On February 8th, Air Conditioning School made its debut in the form of a two-song, digital-only single on iTunes–a prelude to the full-length that will follow later this spring.

The single’s b-side (if such a classification even makes sense in the digital realm) is “Busymore,” a pleasantly pared-down serving of indie-pop that sounds a bit like J Mascis fronting Papas Fritas. While I never thought I would mention both of those acts in the same sentence, the combination makes for an effective blend.

Groaning keyboards provide a deep subterranean hum below the song’s verses, which chug along at a leisurely pace over a foundation of acoustic guitars and spacious drumming. When Heidman receives some female accompaniment to the chorus vocals, the chemistry is terrific–relaxed and sweet without softening up his unique timbre too much. Stretched out organ chords dot the middle to upper register throughout “Busymore,” but its counterpart, the clipped chirping of a synthesizer, leaves a more palpable mark in the mix. Air Conditioning School isn’t the sort of project that knocks your socks off upon first listen; it’s undoubtedly more of a grower than a shower. But given the opportunity, “Busymore” has a way of burrowing its melodic hooks deeper and deeper into your subconscious with each passing listen.