L-Shaped Man, The

Over their decade-long existence, Sonoma County’s Ceremony have moved far from their initial roots in powerviolence and become a post-punk band. Their newest style feels classically moody and restrained in the vein of Joy Division or The Chameleons, and the breakup-oriented lyrics match the band’s more brooding and subdued direction. This doesn’t hit the blisteringly high heights of their album Rohnert Park (check out their song “Sick” and you’ll see what I mean), but it’s gripping, tight, and surprisingly lovely. Produced by John Reis (Rocket from the Crypt/Drive Like Jehu). Favorites: 3, 4, 6, 8, 10. No FCCs.

1. (1:34)—Slow, sad, with just vocals and piano.
2. (3:20)—Slow, chilly, minimal—reminds me strongly of Interpol.
3. *(4:37)—Fast, driving, slightly gothic, slow to build. Long outro.
4. *(3:15)—Fast, immediate, ramps up slowly, slides into a great finale.
5. (3:48)—Slow, dissonant, ghostly, plodding.
6. *(3:32)—Medium-fast. The single. Melodramatic, poppy, catchy, cool.
7. (2:29)—Mid-tempo, bouncy, woozy, feels inexplicably 90s.
8. *(3:07)—Slow, loud. Second half feels like older Ceremony, with some actual screaming from singer Ross Farrar.
9. (3:26)—Fast, frantic, angular but not heavy.
10. *(3:27)—Mid-tempo, rousing, cutting, with group vocals.
11. (3:44)—Slow, simmering, with watery guitars.