ATO Records, Julia’s War, Smoking Room (joint release)
Producer: Douglas Dulgarian
LOTTO cements Philadelphia shoegazers They Are Gutting a Body of Water (aka TAGABOW) as one of the most important musical groups in contemporary independent music. The band’s experimental mix of shoegaze noise and lo-fi electronica are more refined than ever. Echoes of local legends Blue Smiley and Alex G can be heard nestled into the melodic tendencies of “rl stine” and “sour diesel,” while “trainers” and “the chase” emphasize thick, face-melting guitars. LOTTO is the most cohesive, potent work in these DIY experimentalists’ catalog thus far, and should immediately become essential listening for anyone looking to get into the contemporary shoegaze scene. – Shalen Farahi
