'Clara Luz' Review: Los Angeles-based shoegaze outfit Draag re-emerge with a broody, yet therapeutic EP
Los Angeles-based indie shoegaze band Draag are known for wearing many different musical hats.
As comfortable with their "cult" status as they are with the numerous genre-defying labels that have been bestowed upon them (try "ambient psychedelia meets industrial rock"), Draag has been the darlings of the LA underground music ever since they released their self-titled debut album in 2014.
They released another critically-acclaimed (and equally-hard to find) EP in 2015 called 'Traci Lordz' soon after that debut offering, and it only served to only further boost their popularity and created a buzz that surrounded the band wherever they played live.
Interestingly enough, the five-piece outfit originally began their musical journey as founding member Adrian Acosta's solo recording project.
In the middle of recording Draag's eponymous debut album, Acosta recruited the other band members to flesh out the project's sound, which was heavily influenced by diverse artistes such as My Bloody Valentine, Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Aphex Twin and Fugazi.
That sound continued into their 2018 release, 'Nontoxic Process' which was praised by Noisey for its "murky grunge-gaze compositions and gut-twisting songwriting."
Now the quintet, which comprises Adrian Acosta with Jessica Huang, Nick Kelley, Ray Montes and Shane Graham, has come out with their latest 6-track EP 'Clara Luz', which has been co-produced by Jon Nuñez of the Florida stoner rock band Torche. The official release date for 'Clara Luz' is slated for February 21.
The band has already released two singles off the new EP — the dreamy first single 'Ghost Leak' is an immersive, melancholy ode to a dearly departed friend.
Sample lyrics include, "I meant to tell you this earlier / But my heart was in a tank / I’ve lost control of who I am / And need to come back."
Jessica Huang, who does guitars, keys, and vocals for the band said, "'Ghost Leak' is the feeling of being completely invisible and inconsequential. It is also a message to someone we lost — to let them know they weren’t invisible."
Check out the entrancing music video below — it's been directed by the band members Acosta and Huang.
With flavors of Sonic Youth, Boards of Canada and My Bloody Valentine mixed together, Draag has drawn on their disparate upbringings in the worlds of underground punk, no wave, experimental jazz, and classical music training to create the swirling, surreal sounds of this latest EP, 'Clara Luz'.
The project was borne out of challenging circumstances for the band members, who had to endure illness and personal turmoil before the EP could even be completed.
The band revealed that 'Clara Luz' is about processing trauma, how it can be both terrifying and isolating, but also incredibly empowering. Look no further than their second single, 'Trauma Kit' to get a feel of that therapeutic sound. Check it out here:
The other tracks on the EP are similarly gorgeous and awash with enchanting melodies and trippy modulations. The opening track 'Cee' is a peppy number drenched in overdriven guitars, mellow synths, and yearning vocals.
'Alternative Privilege' is a more straight-up alt-rocker that contains some lovely harmonies, while 'Around My Fear' features haunting, floating vocals and synths that drift over a syncopated, electronic drumbeat.
The EP's closer and stand-out track, 'Baby Fog' can boast of some nifty drums and plucked guitar work, reminiscent of Slowdive, Incubus, or even the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in its harmonies, ring modulations, and almighty fuzz-heavy breakdowns.
All-in-all, this is a brilliant effort from the band and to witness all this shoegaze-y madness live would certainly be a treat to both eyes and ears!
Having played shows with artistes like Reggie Watts, Part Time, Vinyl Williams, Goon, Young Jesus, Girl Friday and more, Draag also has an ongoing LA residency at The Echo in February.
Make sure you catch their latest EP 'Clara Luz' which releases on February 21, 2020.