Institute, “Powerstation” (Sacred Bones)
Teasing new full-length, Subordination – the follow-up to 2015’s stellar Catharsis – Institute return with last track/first single “Powerstation”. If you were expecting an homage to the ‘80s supergroup of the same name – all mulleted, bespoke leathered, cocaine-addled, overproduced glam – fear not. For, despite (cheekily?) opening with a beat straight outta the Glitter vault, this “Powerstation” is all spit and no shine, quickly morphing into a snarling mid-tempo Sabbath riff, vocalist Moses Brown’s delivery evoking a blindfolded captive swinging wildly in the dark. Sacrificing the jittery post-punk angularity found on much of Catharsis, it feels simultaneously heavier and more tuneful. It’s a great listen, stoking the fires of anticipation for the new album.
Subordination is due June 2, on Sacred Bones, and can be pre-ordered here. The band have a few upcoming shows listed on the label’s bandcamp page – including a set as part of a stacked Sacred Bones’ 10th anniversary showcase at Brooklyn Bazaar – here’s hoping for more.
