I’ve held experimental Bay Area trio Hospital in the highest regard ever since the initial tape release of this collection back in summer 2023. Three brilliant minds working at the very edge of their creativity and allowing us in to hear the results, what could be better?
Combining the talents of Kevin Linn (Sad Eyed Beatniks/Present Electric), Karina Gill (Cindy/Flowertown) and Michael Ramos (Tony Jay/Flowertown), Hospital’s DIY improvisations veer from lo-fi ambient to bare bones indie-that-doesn’t-pop, with all kinds of twists and turns along the way.
The scene is set from the off, with off kilter instrumental breaks and instinctively melodic explorations abounding until Dad On Vacation works itself into a deftly understated groove, over which Gill lays down a largely unintelligible vocal swathed in deadpan cool.
Further highlights emerge as the album progresses, subtly and at their own pace. Earl’s Star intersperses its gritty guitar changes with brief but wildly captivating soloing, whilst Music For Millbrae unsettles and beguiles in equal measure with its creaking haunted house ambience.
Initially released on Paisley Shirt Records, Hospital II is now available on vinyl for the first time via Tough Love Records. You can order here.
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