Real Numbers

Wordless Wonder

BY Danielle SubjectPublished Oct 14, 2016

"Frank Infatuation" offers the perfect start to Wordless Wonder, the debut album by Minneapolis quartet Real Numbers. Its quirky and flirty demeanour manages to immediately remind listeners of why they love the band, while also introducing a newer, much fuller sound that paves the way for the rest of the album.
 
The bass-heavy intro to "New Boy" adds a kick to the album's midway point, and things get a little bit more serious with "Public Domain." The album closes with "This Happy Sadness," a song that features flirty yet haunting harmonies with the band echoing the lyrics, "this happy sadness."
 
The addition of Ian Nygaard on lead guitar was a much-needed one — he fills in the blanks for Real Numbers, as if the band had been trying to put their finger on what was been missing and finally nailed it. As a result, Wordless Wonder is their best and most distinctive work yet.
 
Real Numbers are most often compared to Television Personalities, and though similarities between the two bands ring true, over the years Real Numbers have developed their own identity, and really hit the nail on the head with this debut LP. Whether it's confusing relationships or having a time with friends on a Friday night, Wordless Wonder covers a wide swathe of subject matter, while still giving us that DIY garage rock sound that fans know and love.
(Slumberland)

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