It’s a kind of a funny thing when you realize that Small Reactions have become something of elder statesmen in the local scene. It’s not that they’ve been around for forever anything, but they managed to survive when so many other bands would have folded, and they’ve certainly stuck it out long enough to leave a lasting imprint on the community. That they’ve managed to do this with only a single major recording — 2014’s excellent Similar Phantoms — and a handful of singles and stopgap EPs is a testament to the consistency and quality of their songwriting, which has continued to improve and evolve with every release.

Last week, out of the blue, the band announced they would soon be unveiling a new cassette. Details were fairly scant, although the group did post an image of the cover art which revealed the title, Night Reactions: MIX001, as well as the label releasing the tape, Decatur-based Bear Kids Recordings, who has worked closely with Small Reactions in the past. Yesterday, however, Immersive received a press release that helped fill in some additional details, the most important being that the new record is being framed as a transitional release — a mixtape, actually — meant to tide fans over until the band completes their sophomore LP later this year.

Those hoping for more of the wiry post-punk anthems that dotted Similar Phantoms, however, may be initially disappointed as Night Reactions: MIXOO1 promises a return to the freewheeling experimentalism that marked the band’s 2013 EP, is Pretty Good I Guess, Vol. 1. According to the press release, the new record “…feeds found sounds, street noise, pop melody, narratives from a broken Teddy Ruxpin, demos, cross chatter, and drum machines through a sieve and commits what’s left to tape.” That hardly sounds like the taut, nervy pop we’re used to hearing from the group, but I wouldn’t worry about the band experiencing an identity crisis or radical shift in their approach just yet.

Lead single “RXN_1,” which we’re stoked as all get out to premiere today, finds the band exploring hazy, fuzzed-out rock with slightly psychedelic overtones. Melodically speaking, it’s not necessarily a far cry from their previous work, but it’s certainly dreamier and more diaphanous than anything they’ve attempted in the past. You can probably credit some of that shift in aesthetic to the introduction of Ross Politi (formerly of Carnivores and Del Venicci) who recently replaced the departed Sam Jacobsen in the lineup and is likely to push the band’s boundaries into artsier, more abstract territory.

Still, one of Small Reactions’ chief assets has been their ability to interject infectious pop hooks into unusual or complex constructs and the track’s slow-rolling groove and carefree vibe only helps to accentuate the almost soothing catchiness of Scotty Hoffman’s vocals. I know that “summery” and “sun-drenched” are descriptors that get tossed out far too often this time of year, but there’s a watery-blue glimmer to “RXN_1” that makes me want to find a pool, crack open a beer, and kick back. Knowing Small Reactions, there’s probably a glint of darkness lurking in those lyrics, but damn if it doesn’t feel good.

Night Reactions: MIX001 is out June 17.

Small Reactions will celebrate the release of Night Reactions: MIX001 on Thursday, June 16 at 529. Supporting them will be Mantra Love (Texas), OTONANA Trio (Japan), and Pseudo Color. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $5.

More Info
Bandcamp: smallreactions.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @smallreactions
Instagram: @smallreactions
SoundCloud: @smallreactions
Twitter: @smallreactions