Pitchfork

Just in time for the sunny summer months to hit...er, Australia, Athens' atmospheric folk-rockers Summer Hymns have returned with another round of thoughtful balladry. The brainchild of one Zachary Gresham (formerly of Tooth & Nail act Joe Christmas), the Hymns have repped for Misra Records since the 2000 release of their debut, Voice, Brother and Sister, and the respected Austin label will also deliver their latest, Backward Masks, on November 22.

Originally given the title Preliminary Blues, Backward Masks collects 12 new recordings put together by Gresham and fellow core Hymn-slingers Philip Brown-- who also plays with Elephant 6 offshoot the Gerbils-- and Chris Riser (ex-Whiskeytown). The new set follows up 2004 rarities collection Fools Gold and 2003 LP Clemency.

The band recorded much of Backward Masks at its own Illuminati Audio studio, which Gresham and Riser recently opened just outside Athens in Lexington, Georgia. If you're in a nearby band and seeking a place to lay down hot traxx, the place would love to have you.

Backward Masks:

01 Way You Walk
02 Pity and Envy
03 Start Swimming
04 Darkness Comes
05 Fearanoia
06 Bombay Brown India Ink
07 Limousine
08 New Way
09 Ice Age World
10 14 Inches of Snow
11 Pheromones Induced
12 When the Bombs Fall