The Public’s weekly local music reviews and previews.

Album:    Wych Elm by Orations  Recommended if you like:   ‘The Smiths, Cocteau Twins, The Sundays

From post-punk band Orations comes their debut album, Wych Elm. The 11-track record wanders between illuminated jangle pop, goth rock, and new wave throughout the record—and sometimes within a single song. Highlights include opener “Black Lung,” the more driving “Death and Co.” and more dark and twisted “The Tell.” Pick it up on LP, CD or cassette, and/or stream it for free on Bandcamp. 

Single:    “Brave Bird”by Small Smalls  Recommended if you like:   Broadcast, Blonde Redhead, Beat Happening

Small Smalls is a lo fi dream pop project formed by Colette Montague as a solo project in 2010. Now a three piece with guitarist Steve Malczewski and drummer Dave Borden, their latest release is a single titled “Brave Bird.” The charming, synth driven pop song recorded at Hi-Lo Studio in Eden has Montague singing surrealist lyrics over a sugar pop melody.