Ellington

Take the more lush hypnotic power and cerebral psychedelic harmonies of Yo La Tengo ("Autumn Sweater"), Spiritualized, Luna, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Death Cab for Cutie, Starflyer 59, the beautifully catchy sun-soaked hooks of Kill Rock Stars melodies (Elliot Smith/Jeff Hanson), and add some My Bloody Valentine "Loveless" dreamy shoegaze into the mix. Kevin Shields of MBV added his signature bohemian Brit-Psychedelia to this American band by producing and mixing half the album. Highly recommended. -- Herman Snell and Alex Slawson