trouble books - concatenating fields (12inch vinyl lp)

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Absolutely entrancing album of nuanced synth/drone pop from this Ohio-based duo whose previous output includes a collaborative LP with Emeralds' guitarist Mark McGuire, among other self-released gems. What I notice first about the album are its stellar production values. Mastered to divine effect by James Plotkin, crystal clear, cycling synthesizers skitter across the stereo spectrum, anchored by Freund's minimal but affecting guitar work (at times recalling aspects of Mick Turner). This lush instrumentation ultimately serves as a backdrop for Freund and Lejsovka's lovely boy/girl vocal arrangements, which at times remind me a bit of Yo La Tengo (or, when Freund sings alone - and this could be purely word associative - Nick Zammuto/The Books). Ultimately and without hyperbole, this album kind of smacked me in the face with its blend of hypnotic instrumentation and truly arresting pop sensibilities. A really fantastic, totally out-of-nowhere (at least for me) record, and one that won't leave my turntable anytime soon. Limited to 300 - don't hesitate. - Alex Cobb, Experimedia

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This is the third album by Keith Freund and Linda Lejsovka, further blending the influence of Northeast Ohio's experimental synth and noise scene into minimalist pop songs. An increased focus on negative space and simplicity gives Concatenating Fields a more nocturnal vibe than before. Definitely the best Trouble Books album yet.

Went for top sound and vision on this release with a gorgeous master by James Plotkin and vinyl cut at Dubplates and Mastering in Berlin, and an awesome gatefold jacket design by Jacob Feige.

Limited edition of 300 contains a screen printed insert and mp3 code.