Sonic Citadel

Released in 2019 on Thrill Jockey, Sonic Citadel represents a significant sonic refinement for the Providence duo. Following the more experimental and slightly darker 'Fantasy Empire,' this album leans into the band's 'pop' sensibilities without sacrificing their signature intensity. Brian Gibson's bass work here is particularly notable for its melodic complexity, often utilizing high-register leads that mimic synthesizers or lead guitars. Brian Chippendale’s drumming remains a marvel of polyrhythmic speed, though the studio recording by Seth Manchester at Machines with Magnets provides a level of separation and punch previously unheard in their discography. The album title itself suggests a fortified structure of sound, and tracks like 'Hüsker Dön‘t' and 'All Insane' showcase a newfound interest in traditional song structures and vocal clarity, albeit filtered through their trademark distortion. It stands as one of the most critically acclaimed entries in their catalog, bridging the gap between their lo-fi 'Fort Thunder' roots and a more expansive, hi-fi future.