Into It. Over It: Intersections: Cloudy Gold and Clear Vinyl

Black Vinyl

Initially conceived as an album regarding the physical intersections of Chicago roads, Intersections quickly became an album about the intersections in songwriter Evan Weiss' life, with Weiss comparing where he was then to where he is now. Drummer Nick Wakim removed certain drums and cymbals, and Weiss decided to not use a guitar pick to give the songs a uniform, idiosyncratic sound. With producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron & Wine) sitting behind the board at Soma Electronic Music Studios, Intersections came to life. Weiss has forgone his goal of releasing a new song every week (as he did for the breathless 52 Weeks collection), but he hasn't abandoned his hyper-personal writing. Of course, none of this would matter much if Weiss didn't record compelling music. A tune like "Spatial Exploration," with its emotionally overwhelmed vocals and perfect harmonies, could be called emo-punk, but tracks like "New North-Side Air," "A Curse Worth Believing," and "Your Antique Organ" take enough off the distorted guitars to work more eclectic emo territory.