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LP
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UTR 142LP
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New solo record from Philip Frobos of Omni (Sub Pop, Trouble in Mind), this record is released in conjunction with a novel by Philip of the same name, Vague Enough To Satisfy. Vague Enough To Satisfy is Philip Frobos' debut solo album, it is also the original soundtrack to his debut novel of the same title. This lounge-inspired punk album acts as the musical bedrock for the story of a young man who revels in the day-to-day details (both romantic and mundane) of his experiences in Leipzig and Atlanta. The tone of the record reflects the tides of the protagonist's confidence and self-doubt throughout the novel. Vague Enough To Satisfy rushes straight to the point with its bossa nova beat and seductive lo-fi musings. "Vague Theme" opens the album with a groove reminiscent of Whammy! era B-52s while the vocals tell the story of a young romantic confused of his place within a relationship and the city around him. "Vacant Street" proceeds with a hooky bassline, the revolving, cryptic sort that Frobos is known for as a member of Atlanta post-punks Omni. "No Packages Today" is similarly sprightly and circuitous, sounding like the Au Pairs refining an obsession with Bowie's Lodger. "I'm afraid that you need more than I can offer," opines Frobos bedecked by shuffling beats and burgeoning waves of saxophone. "Never Noticed" and "Through with Buzz" introduce notes of tension and intrigue to the frisson of the story, "you're stuck in the same day" confesses Frobos in the former. Instrumental tracks help to prolong an uneasy feeling of ambiguity too, with compositions like "Pool Disturbance" and "Inflatable Flamingo" taking their musical cue from Henry Mancini. Curious flourishes, a metronomic headiness and shuddering xylophones bring to life the intensely vivid imagery and cynical humor that suffuse the novel. "Pathetic" collides the casual, magnetism of Serge Gainsbourg with tight Cars-style vocals and choruses. Meanwhile, "Singer Not The Song" and "Saturn Return" showcase a more sedate approach, languid and arch. Vague Enough To Satisfy is a trip, plunging you into a curious world populated by the unexpected. 180 gram vinyl.
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