Pulsars announce the digital release of their debut album, ‘PULSARS’ (Out November 15th), and share the first three tracks as the new single ‘Trilogy’. With fans including Keanu Reeves and Fred Armisen, this self-titled LP marks the band’s triumphant return following years of asking ‘what could have been?’
Pulsars released their first EP, Teenage Nites, on Sweet Pea Records before their big break came, signing a multi-million, three-album deal with Almo Sounds. Opening for bands including Oasis, Blur and Weezer, playing venues across the States and garnering praise from critics around the world culminated in the release of their self-titled debut album in 1997. However, the rug was pulled from under the band’s feet when the deal between Almo Sound and Geffen Records fell apart.
Being declared by Rolling Stone as one of the “40 Greatest One-Album Wonders” felt like scant reward for music which felt like it was ready to set the world on fire. There was a feeling of unfinished business and the band has returned to fulfil its destiny.
Comprising Chicago-based brothers and now acclaimed studio engineer Dave Trumfio (acclaimed for his work with Billy Bragg, Wilco, OK Go, and Built to Spill) and Harry Trumfio, Pulsars represent the closing chapter of an era that began with the birth of cult rock bands like the Velvet Underground, whose pioneering sound spurred a wave of innovation and originality in the music industry.
Much like the emergence of alternative rock in the 90s, Pulsars encapsulate the spirit of that transformative period, blending influences from post-punk to synth-pop into a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Though based in Chicago, their sound veers away from the angry violence of local heroes Big Black and Jesus Lizard to embrace sounds from further afield, as well as bands they had grown up with such as Cheap Trick. The album was praised for its blend of early 1980s influences with a fresh, warm sound, drawing comparisons to bands likeThe Pixies, The Cars, and The Cure.
SPIN‘s Eric Weisbard described the album’s songs as “amazingly confident, catchy anthems” While in the view of Trouser Press writer Ira Robbins praised the album as “one of the singular musical accomplishments of the ’90s – with its combination of indelible melodies and seemingly pre-mature bedroom vulnerability and obsessions, it’s a science fair version of Pet Sounds for the computer age.”
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Live Dates:
Oct 4 – San Diego, CA – Til’ Two Club
Oct 6 – Los Angeles, CA – Gold Diggers
Oct 8 – New Orleans, LA – Santos
Oct 9 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
Oct 15 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland
Oct 16 – Chicago, IL – Burlington
Oct 18 – Dallas, TX – Good Records
MORE TBA
