LNZNDRF
As the rhythm section of The National, brothers Scott and Bryan Devendorf are known for elegant indie rock. But teaming with multi-instrumentalist Ben Lanz to form LNZNDRF, they eschew their regular band’s graceful drama for watery, propulsive grooves. The rubbery chug and ascending chants on “Beneath the Black Sea” recall the best of post-punk, “Hypno-Skate” luxuriates in a spacey wash of synths, and “Kind Things” casts Lanz’s falsetto against a danceable strut. Spawned from a two-day improv session, *LNZNDRF* is an absorbing, hypnotic gem.
The National's other pair of brothers, Brian and Scott Devendorf, team up with Beirut's Benjamin Lanz to pay homage to the headier aspects of the 4AD catalog with an enjoyable yet uneven debut.
Members of The National and Beirut combine for an accomplished, slow-burning debut LP.