Real Estate: The Main Thing Vinyl 2LP Real Estate

10 years in, the members of Real Estate maintain their unmistakable chemistry. Main Thing is the 5th long-player from the New Jersey group and features the talents of Alex Bleeker (bass), Martin Courtney (vocals, guitar), Matthew Kallman (keyboards), Julian Lynch (guitar, vocals), and Jackson Pollis (drums and drum programming). “The process of making this record – really diving deep and trying to make it the best thing we’ve ever made – reaffirmed in me, and I think in all of us in this band, why we are doing this.” says Martin Courtney, “We discovered through the care and attention that we brought to this record that making music to resonate with other people is our catharsis. The ‘main thing’ is following your path of inspiration and hoping to inspire that in people around you.” adds Alex Bleeker. The album was recorded at Marcata Sound in upstate NY and produced by Kevin McMahon. Main Thing is their first record to feature guest musicians, most notably Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso, who lends vocals to first single “Paper Cup”. The track sports sunny guitar, shuffling percussion, and glimmering synthesizer work – everything is exactly as it should be.  “You” begins with twinkling piano keys and up-front acoustic strums quickly overtaken with double-timed drums and baroque flourish. Double black vinyl pressing, sleeve features a collage by Bjorn Copeland of Black Dice, layout by the perpetually perfect Rob Carmichael of SEEN.

• black double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve features artwork designed by Bjorn Copeland of Black Dice
• digital download included
• music label: Domino Records 2020

reviewed by GLASSLANDS GALLERY 03/2020