Review: Hierophants – Parallax Error

Hierophants
Parallax Error

Goner Records
Street: 10.23.15
Hierophants = Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti + Mr. Elevator and the Brain Hotel

A sour-sounding minimalist psych set, Hierophants consists of members of the fantastic synthy punk band Ausmuteants. Hints of that can be found in the punkishly short songs of Parallax Error, and in a sense of thoughtful carelessness that pervades both projects. Despite the fact that this album leans heavily into done-before jangly surf stuff, there’s a callous attitude that keeps it sharp. The dead-pan and stunted delivery of the vocals reminds me somewhat of Jonathan Richman’s drawl, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your tastes. Overall, this album is interesting and fun and worth a listen if you want a taste of creatively delivered surf vibes. –Erin Moore