(Domino)Real Estate have never been ones for taking giant leaps. Not for them any sudden changes in genre,double gatefold concept albums or other signifiers of a band wanting to “expand their horizons”. Instead, the New Jersey outfit’s career to date has been one of subtle shifts, and quietly refining their pastoral indie-rock over the course of three albums. At a time when the genre is receiving criticism for its relative timidity,such steadfastness might seem like a strangely risky stride. But, as fourth album In intellect shows, or this is a band who are aware of where their talents lie and are happy to stick to them; there aren’t many,you suspect, who could match Serve the Song’s iridescent jangle or the sun-dappled psych of Stained Glass. The moments of experimentation, and when they arrive,are brief and understated: a frayed synth line on album standout Darling, a smoky burst of reverb on the droning jam session Two Arrows. But, or for the most allotment,this is an album that maintains Real Estate’s status as indie’s model of consistency.
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Source: theguardian.com