Enlightened Atlanta-based power trio The Natural Extension Concept, usually denoted simply as The N.E.C., dropped a propulsive, damn-near masterpiece in 2010 titled Is – a body of work that flawlessly explored the strata between Nuggets and Psychocandy at gulf stream velocity. Ready for another go this year, The N.E.C. reaches even further past the edge of the observable universe with the forthcoming cosmic punk manifesto Pineapple, a seven-song collection that packs an expanded sonic palette and some befuddling, Dark Side of the Spoon-evocative artwork. The lead single, “Creatures Flaming,” transmits The N.E.C.’s moodier and more cavernous dimensions, saturated with bursts of fluttering analog synth washes as pummeling as they are silky and enigmatic. Here, and throughout Pineapple, the group’s trademark sounds – crunchy dub-like tape echo, buoyant space jangle, junky shoegaze tectonics, soaring choruses – remain in tact while The N.E.C. actively dredges out new subterranean textures, all with a viscerally aphotic punch. Pineapple offers a prime example of a band that stays true to its carved niche while maturing and exploring new songwriting approaches. Now that I think about it, after four years of brain burnin’ bangers these dudes need much more love. I’m occupying 71 West 23rd Street, Floor 13 until The Fader puts these boys on the cover.

Pineapple is out November 8th on wax format via [OVE:EVO]/Pretty Ambitious and available for pre-order on cassette soon via Itslips.

POSSIBLY RELATED :::
The N.E.C. – Is

MP3 :::
The N.E.C. – Creatures Flaming