One Track Mind

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On January 26th, Retribution Gospel Choir will release their sophomore album, 2, courtesy of their new label, the illustrious Sub Pop Records. Frontman Alan Sparhawk is better known as the vocalist for Low, who were lauded as being the quietest indie band on the planet not so very long ago. However, with Retribution Gospel Choir’s 2008 debut, Sparhawk wowed listeners with his ability to rock out proper. Since then, the group has toured across the world with gigs including opening slots for Wilco and spots on the lineup at England’s All Tomorrow’s Parties and Spain’s Primavera Sound festivals.

Their forthcoming release kicks off with the storming “Hide It Away,” a tight, emotionally charged track whose beginning wouldn’t sound entirely out of place on the last few Low discs. After the first verse, which bubbles just below the boiling point, Retribution Gospel Choir locks into a groove that completely distinguishes the two bands. Although the instrumentation is pared down, the mood of “Hide It Away” is positively soaring. With its nervous build and swooping brawn, the song has something of the feel of a bungee jump–adrenaline-fueled trepidation followed by the wallop of ecstasy. Like such a jump, “Hide It Away” is also over a little too soon, but that is easily remedied by another click of the play button.