Album Notes

Dishwater Psychics\' necessarily limited approach - recording long distance in isolation, without practicing together - has so far produced a range of fidelities and musical styles, from ultra lo-fi 4-track rock to crisp, digital, folk-pop experiments. But it wasn\'t until the group began work on what would become \"Grave Country Fondle\" that they realized the potential of layering their instruments in thick, nuanced slabs. Call it musical chess.

The band\'s last two albums, \"If I Ever Disintegrate\" and \"Dry Night Riverbed,\" represented a more cohesive aesthetic return after taking four years off from each other. On the heels of those higher-fi discs they got busy with \"Grave Country Fondle,\" which again employs the bare-bones Alesis drum machine, electric and acoustic guitars, cheap Panasonic keys, B3 organ, liberal distortion, drum overdubs, and lead singer John\'s hallmark, Lou Barlow-esque, four-part vocals.

With the entire band contributing lyrics, solos, backing vocals, and the inexorably demented vibe that only bleeds from the Midwest and its transplants, \"Grave Country Fondle\" offers everything Dishwater Psychics have tried over the years: Dark, moody rock (the title track), upbeat, Guided by Voices-esque power pop (\"Empty Medicine\"), heavily treated country-leaning songs (\"Phlegm Widows\"), hairy mock narratives (\"Renewable Lamb\"), chilly \'80s synth (\"Faxed Breath\"), strutting indie rock (\"Statutory Misgivings\") and more.

If you\'ve heard other Friendly Psychics Music releases, this one will show you how far the collective has come with its production, performances, and tone. If you\'re unfamiliar with this unique, loose-knit label, \"Grave Country Fondle\" is the perfect intro. Recommended for fans of Sebadoh, Swearing at Motorists, the Shins, Ween, and other intoxicants.