Description
The Van Pelt “Remain Obscure” LP
The New York post-punk art rock band were primarily active from 1993 to 1997, born from the hardcore scene, with two albums on Gern Blandsten (and an EP on Art Monk Construction) and with ties to bands such as Native Nod, Resurrection, Greyhouse, (and later) Blonde Redhead, Jets To Brazil and, of course, The Lapse. In the years since they have reformed on a few occasions, and in 2023 returned with their first collection of new material in more than twenty-five years via the album Artisans & Merchants (Spartan Records). Now, more than three decades after their formation comes their fifth studio album. Defying expectations, it is recognizably The Van Pelt just as I remember them from back in the day, but they have also moved way beyond the familiar boundaries of their old sound. It’s ok when bands reform and try to recreate the sound of their early years; and it is even better when they move forward, in keeping with the passage of time and experience, and reveal a whole new version of themselves – no age defying rehash here, they have taken the braver path, and consequently it’s a lot more interesting and rewarding.
