Since unveiling their Transitions EP in 2015, Breathers’ musical output has been sparse, releasing only the MARTA-themed “Coloring Lines” cassingle (also in 2015), and a solitary track (“Colony of Taste”) via a split on Chunklet last year. Today, however, in true retro slide-sleeve fashion, the Atlanta trio are releasing a new cassingle featuring two tracks— “1-800-PAIN” and “Only Operator.” Physical copies will be available at 529 tonight, where the band will perform alongside Chattanooga synth-fiends Superbody, as well as fellow locals MonteQarlo and Blessingxx (the new solo project from Art School Jocks guitarist Deborah Hudson). Available digitally on Bandcamp and Spotify, both songs are selects from their upcoming album, Designed to Break, due this fall on Irrelevant Records.

Breathers - 1-800-PAIN

As the punchier of the two numbers, “1-800-PAIN” is a chop block of frenetic electropop that advances from Breathers’ backlog of brighter melodies. With an architecture constructed largely on analog dial tones, the track’s sharp synchronized beats and stabbing bass are cooled by smooth synths. These in turn are juxtaposed by vocals that crescendo to a scream in the chorus while remaining in deranged monotony throughout the verse—a chaotic dynamic perfect for an A-side meddling with commercialized concepts of self-deprecation. Meanwhile, “Only Operator” flips the script with game show jingle pleasantries that are contrasted by the protagonist’s expectations—and consequent frustration—with technological existentialism.

Like John Maus or Geneva Jacuzzi, the frantic vocals of “1-800-PAIN” burning through telephone tones is the sort of catchy yet avant stuff that normies are quick to shrug off as “weird.” Breathers are already excessively dragged into synth’s most popular new wave era, but more than ever the group is combing electronic terrain without necessarily sinking into cheeky throwback (although the strongest displays of kitsch on the upcoming LP can be found within this cassingle). Both songs tamper with narratives—one in strained static and the other in existential roboto folly—however, together these tracks remain complementary to the trio’s continued exploration of post-modern confusion and virtual dissociation.

Breathers are harder to box than people would like. As part of an ongoing conversation in synth-based music, their undeniable enthusiasm makes them a band loved by fellow artists, able to win over, and often dumbfound, most in the room. The full scope of their new recordings are varied in emotion and sound, displaying the range in which the three-piece are experimenting and growing into an exemplary unit. Even the quality of the recordings are richer, no doubt thanks to engineering and mixing help from Sumner Jones (Deerhunter, Animal Collective) and mastering by Future Islands drummer Denny Bowen.

Experimental electronic pop has made a resurgence and Breathers upcoming LP is a gorgeous leap into a wistful, atmospheric, yet decidedly cerebral sphere of synth-pop. This cassingle is just a taste of what’s to come.

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Following their show tonight at 529, Breathers will take off for a short Southeastern tour supporting Superbody. Check out the full list of dates below.

Breathers Southeast Tour Dates*
May 25 – Atlanta, GA – 529
May 26 – Savannah, GA – El-Rocko Lounge
May 27 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern
May 28 – Asheville, NC – The Mothlight
May 30 – Nashville, TN – The Move
Jun 01 – Chattanooga, TN – JJ’s Bohemia

* All dates w/ Superbody

Breathers will perform tonight at 529 alongside Superbody, MonteQarlo, Blessingxx, and DJ Horse Girl. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $10. 21+ to enter.

More Info
Bandcamp: breathers.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @breathersmusic
Instagram: @breathers.biz
SoundCloud: @breathers
Twitter: @BreathersATL