Connections Into Sixes

One would think that Columbus, Ohio's Connections took a breather in the early portion of the 2014. After cracking onto the music scene in 2013 with two critically acclaimed full-length LPs (album of the year by Still Single, glowing coverage from Pitchfork, Stereogum, Onion A/V Club...), one EP and several singles, tours with the Breeders and Ex Hex, the band waited until the summer of 2014 to release Into Sixes--a muscle-flexing study that displays the epic proportions of the band's true anthem-driven nature. Connections' prowess lies in a head-spinning gift for melody, fortified by a stout backbone of wiry guitars that are as tight and loose as a well-worn sweatsuit in the chip section at Wal-Mart. Stuffed with ringing harmonies by dual singers Kevin Elliott and Andy HampeL--sing-song roundabouts that floor the listener after one chorus--Into Sixes is as tasty a sound as one can hope to devour. The songs are still brief, with a handful extending past the FM-radio-friendly three-minute mark, and a couple showing a subversive tendency to jam. Their pedigree includes the legacy of 84 NASH, the abstract thrall of El Jesus De Magico, and the essential '00s noise-pop of Times New Viking, so it makes sense that Connections bring their vast knowledge and experience of music making (and listening) to full fruition on Into Sixes. Includes digital download card.