The two sides of Spines’ new Hands High 7″ could not be more different. The title track’s danceable post-punk is reminiscent of Metric’s biting electropop. The B-side, “Pentecostal Preacher Killer,” is a modernized garage stomp. Such divergent styles often mean that a band is still finding their sound, but it’s within this genre blender that Spines are most successful, cherry picking and deconstructing the past with reckless abandon.

The ease with which the band splices together bits of rock and roll history is a communal effort, benefiting from the talents of each member. Ryan Eastwood’s atmospheric guitar work imbues both tracks with a noir shadow that allows bassist Lee Kennedy and drummer Caleb Probst to fill in the spaces with colorful, often intricate rhythms. Vocalist Morgan Mornet’s expansive range is one of the most immediate features of both tracks, but it’s her ability to switch between violence and vulnerability that’s most notable. Her raw desperation is similar to Allison Mosshart’s bluesy snarl and is the perfect fit for the macabre lyrics of “Pentecostal Preacher Killer.”

Overall, Hands High emphasizes Spines’ new streamlined sound. Gone are the experimental interludes of April’s Clamour EP. Still, Spines have been able to cut away most of the musical meanderings in a way that doesn’t compromise their creative vision as a band, allowing their songs to hit harder. The end result is a record which becomes more catchy with repeat listens, a significant achievement for something so danceable.

Spines will celebrate the release of the Hands High 7″ on Friday, December 11 at the Drunken Unicorn. Supporting them will be with Man Up, Yancey and Tracer Metula. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $7.

More Info
Bandcamp: spines.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @spinesspinesspines
Twitter: @spinesspines