75 Dollar Bill is an underground post-rock band from NYC. The music of the group is primarily based on the interplay of Che Chen’s electric guitar and Rick Brown’s homemade horns and quirky percussion, channelling riffs, vibes, and sonics both familiar and alien. This is their third album and the most lush yet, featuring warm orchestral arrangements contributed by eight additional players. The album was recorded over a period of four years, with some elements performed live and others constructed entirely in the four different studios used for recording. The band functions as an extended family, and I Was Real is an apt demonstration of where they have been and where they are going. “Every Last Coffee or Tea” begins with Television-via-The Dead guitar interplay, rumbling bass, and minimalist percussion. Title track “I Was Real” unfurls over nearly 17 minutes, warm guitar tones, shuffling percussion, and solemn string arrangements. “There’s No Such Thing As A King Bee” is a jittery, uptempo number that takes advantage of the proggy elements bubbling underneath the group’s sound. This record arrives in a truly deluxe feeling tip-on gatefold jacket with a textured cloth wrap and matte embossing. Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• tip-on gatefold sleeve with textured cloth wrap and screen printed details
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Thin Wrist 2019

reviewed by PHISH FOOD 02/2020