It’s always interesting to experience an artist who is somehow a chameleon, yet very individual and recognizable. Ian Svenonius has been making music since 1990 through different bands and in varying genres. Escape-ism, though, is Svenonius as a solo artist. Last year Svenonius brought the group into the world with Introduction to Escape-ism a futuristic, howling, robotic (but still haunting) reflection of himself. Escape-ism is just him accompanied by a drum machine, backing tracks, guitar and his powerful and transformative persona (whether it be in front of audiences, through speakers or headphones, or wherever you might be listening).

The Lost Record waves its presence to the listener first through the cover. In a plain black font we are greeted by, “Hi. I’m THE LOST RECORD. I’M NOT LOST AS MUCH AS UNLOVED.” Is this a formal reverence from the disc or a warning from its creator? Is it saying “listen to me because I have been forgotten and shelved” or “I sort of recorded a bunch of tracks, but I wasn’t in a hurry and kind of forgot about this album?” I suppose it doesn’t matter because The Lost Record is a movement in sound—a record that feels liberated and free among a rampant world of garage rock leftovers. I don’t think a lot of people know about its existence but those who do, will like it. Play it on repeat and smile and dance through it like tomorrow isn’t an option. It’s minimal yet victoriously chews your hips into its proto-static sound and festive insurgency.

Read full album review here.