Watch Real Numbers’ “Old Cross” video via MXDWN; EP out this Friday on Slumberland Records
Today, Real Numbers are sharing the video for “Old Cross” via MXDWN. Check out the premiere here. Brighter Then is out this Friday, 3/19, via Slumberland Records.
Regarding the origin of the track, Eli stated: “I can’t quite remember how I came up with the main arpeggio part but I swear it was extremely serendipitous. Like “what would happen if I played like this?” then what I played was exactly those chords. I didn’t even know what chords they actually were until later on. The idea was to couple it with an atmospheric yet adventurous lead so I sent a recording of it to Cam who composed it by the following day. There was an incredibly simple bass line ready which Ian elaborated on and turned into something beautiful. James came up with that perfect Felt-y drum part, while Sophie’s keyboards give the song more of a Field Mice feeling. The video footage I found on YouTube via the VHS Archives who in turn, I believe, found it somewhere. It’s of Altandhu, Scotland.”
Bio:
Following on from 2016’s Wordless Wonder LP and 2017’s “Frank Infatuation” single, Minneapolis’ Real Numbers are back with a brand new EP entitled Brighter Then. In the interim the combo has expanded to a 5-piece, adding Sophie Durbin on keyboards. Brighter Then was recorded over winter 2019/2020 and shows the band journeying deeper into late 80’s indie-pop than ever before.
The lyrics on the EP see Eli Hansen take a more personal and introspective tack revolving around relationships, shifting perspectives, and memories. The title track, which has been crafted slowly over the last few years around its circular lead, tackles the subject of evolving friendships – losses, gains and the acceptance of the present – and channels Sarah favorites The Wake and Brighter.
“Old Cross” and “In The End” were co-authored by Eli and Cameron Soojian and feature Cam’s distinctive lead guitar, while “Darling” is nothing short of a pure pop gem. The EP’s production finds the band at their most crisp thanks to Matt Castore and his A Harder Commune studios, and the 45rpm 12″ vinyl pressing showcases the tunes at their best. While never straying too far from their scrappy DIY roots, Real Numbers have broadened their sound with assurance, and fans of Felt and the Field Mice will be pleased with the results.
Real Numbers
Brighter Then
(Slumberland Records)
Street Date: March 19, 2021
Track List:
1. Brighter Then
2. Darling
3. Old Cross
4. In The End
5. Brighter Then (Reprise)
REAL NUMBERS LINKS: