A Beacon School is the solo project of Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Patrick J Smith. We first heard from Patrick as a member of Maxband (a side project of Parquet Courts dummer Max Savage), where he contributed bass guitar in addition to his production and mixing expertise. Cola was originally released as a limited edition cassette in 2018, this LP reissue adds three additional tracks, Smith says this is how the album was "meant to be heard". Sonically, the record sounds in line with groups like Wild Nothing, The Drums, and The Field Mice - dreamy and glitchy, but rooted in the contemporary indie sound. Opening track “Alergnon” is sharp guitar vamps over thoughtful bass, muted vocals at odds with guitar flourishes. “It’s Late” is gentle 4/4 electropop with neat percussion, “JCult” is jangly sophisti-pop along the lines of Aztec Camera. “Fade In Nylon” is one of the new tracks, rigid drums and loud-quiet-loud guitars that cede entirely for a lovingly finger-picked solo. This record is pressed on black vinyl, and includes a printed inner sleeve with full album lyrics. black vinyl pressing includes printed inner sleeve with full lyrics digital download included music label: Grind Select 2019 reviewed by SOLO COCTEAU 07/2019.
