New Attitude

Released in 2006, New Attitude serves as a bridge in the Dirty Projectors' discography, arriving after the conceptual 'The Getty Address' and before the breakthrough 'Rise Above'. While later albums would be defined by the hocketing vocals of Amber Coffman and Angel Deradoorian, this EP is centered firmly on Dave Longstreth's idiosyncratic vision and vocal range. The recording is characterized by a lo-fi, analog warmth that suggests a small room or basement studio, moving away from the MIDI-heavy textures of previous efforts toward an organic, string-heavy sound. Lyrically, the album is dense with academic and suburban imagery, touching on themes of intellectual stagnation and existential dread. Critical reception often highlights 'Two Young Sheeps' as a centerpiece of Longstreth's mid-2000s output, showcasing his ability to sustain tension over long durations using minimal melodic cells. It remains a cult favorite for its unique blend of avant-garde structure and folk intimacy.