Golden Touch [Bonus Track]

Personnel: Hiram Lucke (saxophone); Victor Nash (trumpet); Melissa Rodenbeek (background vocals).
Portland, Oregon's Wow & Flutter started as a side project before evolving into a dynamic, prolific band in its own right. GOLDEN TOUCH continues the band's formula of D.C. post-hardcore angularity mixed with a Sonic Youth-like knack for hooks. There's also an unexpected prettiness here, like the delicate guitar bits that open "Car Crash" and "Solar." And on the other end are abrasive cuts like the Beefheartian "A Little Help" and the drone experiment, "A Fine Line." Lording over it all is the commanding, sardonic voice of singer/guitarist/organist Cord Amato, who convincingly diagnoses general malaise on "A Little Help."