Nothing Feels Natural

by 
AlbumJan 27 / 201710 songs, 33m 37s
Post-Punk
Popular

On their debut album, fiery D.C. post-punk outfit Priests cram a record’s worth of drama into opening track “Appropriate” alone; after sprinting out of the gate with a riot grrrl-schooled screech, the song rebuilds into something far more sinister. It’s the first startling moment on a collection packed with sucker-punch surprises: “JJ” spikes its surf-rock surge with playful piano, while the Cure-like title track turns from mournful to cathartic thanks to Katie Alice Greer’s bracing voice, soulful and serrated in equal measure.

Sister Polygon Records SPR-021, out January 27 2017 Produced by Kevin Erickson, Engineered by Hugh McElroy in Washington, DC. Mixed by Don Godwin at Airshow Studio. Mastered by TJ Lipple. All songs written by Priests: Katie Alice Greer, Daniele Daniele, Taylor Mulitz, GL Jaguar. Guest appearances by Janel Leppin, Luke Stewart, Mark Cisneros, Perry Fustero, Brendan Polmer. Cover photo by Audrey Melton

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8.5 / 10

Priests’ debut expands into a rich diorama of stinging guitar, funk, yearning indie pop, and jazz; there hasn’t been a punk debut this certain and poised since Savages’ Silence Yourself.

8.3 / 10

Priests’ breakthrough EP didn’t traffic in subtlety.

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8 / 10

Priests fit into a storied tradition of politically motivated punk bands from Washington, DC, but the group sets itself apart from the city'...

7.5 / 10

Formed in 2012, Washington, D.C.'s Priests have followed up their 2014 EP Bodies and Control and Money and Power with their debut full-length, Nothing Feels Natural.

7 / 10

Photo: Audrey.

75 %

Priests traffic in a very specific kind of angular post-punk aggression.