“It’s definitely our COVID record.”
“We’re definitely a little more bummed out than we were the last time.”
That’s DJ Hostettler and Dixie Jacobs, respectively, drummer/singer and keyboardist/autoharpist/singer for Body Futures. The record in question is the new Do Not Befriend The Reaper. It’s the band’s first since 2018’s Maybe It’s Just The Weather. And, yes, things are indeed a bit gloomier this time around.
Past Body Futures records—both Weather and 2014’s Brand New Silhouettes—have found the group delivering squirrely and shout-y noise/power-pop that suggests a more irritable New Pornographers. But with Reaper, tempos have slowed (somewhat) and moods have soured (considerably). Opener “Private Enemy” is an alternately towering and glowering stomper that adds just a dash of psych-rock to the Body Futures mix. Ditto “Robin Guthrie’s Rock And Roll Circus,” which features Jacobs and Hostettler trading off vocal duties while guitarist Christopher Maury and new bassist Evan Gritzon thrash along in the hazy din. “This Is How ‘The Birds’ Begins” shows off Jacobs’ always powerful voice—now shot through with more than a hint of world-weariness—while fantastic closer “True Monsters Of History” opens with an acoustic guitar (!) and descends into a demented sea shanty that calls out everything from the stock market to the East India Company.
“This is unsustainable!” Hostettler cries on “Monsters.” Before it all comes tumbling down—and oh, it will—listen to Do Not Befriend The Reaper a day ahead of its official release, only at Milwaukee Record:
Body Futures will celebrate the release of Do Not Befriend The Reaper on Friday, November 22, at X-Ray Arcade. Nonagon, Redshift Headlights, and Vacancy Chain will play in support. Order a vinyl or CD copy of Reaper HERE.
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