Introducing: Old Smile

Received a mysterious promo email the other day – the less information they tend to include, the more intrigued I get (unless they just link to some terrible music). This particular email came from Tom Herman, who from what I gather from his bandcamp page, is a solo experimental artist out of Philadelphia.  Tom’s cryptic email referenced a tape he has put out under the name Old Smile – and it’s really quite good.  Old Smile is a collection of 7 tunes that sound like medium-fi home recorded psychedelic pop songs. The bulk of Herman’s music contains guitar and drumbeats, however it’s the electronic ambient noise/distortion as well as Herman’s own baritone vocals that really define the dreamy, unconventional sound.  His approach in some ways reminds me of Bradford Cox’s Atlas Sound, though Herman’s drumming gives his music a more distinctly jazz-influenced flavor. You can stream Old Smile below or download it for free here.  Tom is also a painter and you can check out some of his artwork here.

–          Jon