Chicago F'in Rocks: The Race - Ice Station

Download: The Race - Walls
Download: The Race - Feathers

Chicago band The Race are going to release their latest album, Ice Station, on May 15th. It's just really good indie-pop with vocals that croon, then soar, all delivered with a slightly melody-ramatic touch (did you like what I did there?) drums with an electronic tinge, and the warm, echo-laden trebly guitars that will make your heart melt. It's very warm-sounding, and absolutely perfect for complementing your mood on a rainy day.

The record was written after a period of inter-band creative strife that ended with the line-up of the band being completely reconfigured. It's certainly unfortunate that The Race had to go through so much trouble after recording their well-regarded If You Can, but if anything, Ice Station shows that they came out at the other end of the proverbial tunnel (because I'm not entirely sure they're any actual tunnels in Chicago, or at least in the downtown area) with an album that should be as renowned as their last record.

Ice Station will be released on Flameshovel Records on May 15th. Stream the album here. Better yet, buy it through Flameshovel or Insound.

(Jonathan Graef)