It might initially seem like a bizarre move, to release an EP just months after the release of your debut full-length, but don’t rush to pat the Prints boys on the heads with a gentle, “pace yourselves…” just yet. just yet. As an accidental testament to the multi-instrumental Zac Nelson and Kenseth Thibideau’s song-writing abilities, the first three tracks on Just Thoughts have been whisked away from the obscurity of their intended b-side status to enjoy a stand-alone release this month. Put it down to their frolicking pop aesthetic, or perhaps the impressive shelf-life of these tracks combined, the folks at Temporary Residence Records proudly gushing, “The soul shines long after the hook has been worn down,” Just Thoughts is one of those remarkable records which seems to have enjoyed very little exposure for all of its mesmerizing appeal, but that might just make it all the more special.
Just Thoughts opens rather fittingly with the existentially-themed, Me and Ms. Archer, Nelson and Thibideau layering psychaedelic vocals over a funk-driven bassline, their fluttering pan-flute alternating brilliantly with scattered handclaps, xylophone taps and finger clicks to tremendous effect. The following tracks, Fire Days and Yippy, feature a combination of the laidback playfulness of Animal Collective with just a touch of Ratatat-like pipe organ synth-work, while the closing track, Tim Goldsworthy’s combined remix of Pretty Tick and Meditation (two stand-out tracks from Prints’ eponymous debut LP), features the expert funk-bass-work of !!!’s Tyler Pope. Again, I don’t know how this release has so far avoided the hype it deserves.

You can pick up Prints’ LP and EP at Temporary Residence, who charmingly assert that, “Its soul shines long after the hook has been worn down.” Oh…

Prints - Pretty Tick Meditation (Thee Loving Hand Remix) [mp3 working now..]

- bec