Jason Urick, the guy behind Floristree and the experimental band WZT Hearts, has released a solo 12", Husbands, on Thrill Jockey. I know, I know... how many more Baltimore artists can Thrill Jockey sign? At present, its roster includes Double Dagger, Thank You, Dan Higgs, Arbouretum, Pontiak, and Human Bell. The Chicago-based indie label likes us, they really do.

And this Urick disc is a keeper. More ambient, but no less ambitious than WZT Hearts, its four pieces unfold at a measured pace. Like slow waves of sound gathering blissful drones and pulsing, swirling samples in their wake, "Strides," "Let There Be Love," and "National Treasure" build majestically towards untethered sustain. Then, "The Eternal Return" squelches that buzz with six minutes of harsh noise. Still, it's engaging, sometimes thrilling stuff.

It should make for an interesting show tonight, when Urick celebrates Husbands' release at The Hexagon. Zomes, Ponytail's Dustin Wong—check out his amazing instrumental disc, Seasons—and Vows are also on the bill.

[photo: Josh Sisk]