Released on Oneida’s label Brah Records through Jagjaguwar, “Spills Out” is Pterodactyl’s fourth album (the fifth, counting the split album with Oneida). While it cannot be said that there is a certain label sound on Jagjaguwar, there is some overlap between some of the groups. For instance, Parts & Labor and Pterodactyl do sound a bit like label old hands, Oneida. It’s based somewhere in the layering of sounds, the creation of textures, a driving beat – and, of course, the use of vintage analog synthesizers. All three bands are from Brooklyn and form part of the local noise scene. “Zombies” is my favorite track on “Spills Out,” and it exemplifies how this trio perfectly merges sixties psychedelic rock with nineties indie rock. Harmonic voices, laid-back drumming and reverb-laden guitars. Thus, Pterodactyl seem at times to be closer to Simon & Garfunkel and The Byrds than their Brooklynite contemporaries. This is a wonderful album that wholly unfolds its beauty only after multiple listenings.

by artistxite