Lymbyc Systym: Love Your Abuser

The first full-length album from the brothers Bell — Jared and Michael — is ambient, expressive, emotional, and thoughtful without one word being spoken. Whether it is the slow, rich, and reflective “Rest Easy/Age Kindly” that soars but never breaks through the clouds, or the intricate, winding title track, Lymbyc Systym can say so much with so little. Fans of Spiritualized, Mogwai, and Stereolab would lap up these tracks, despite the fact that no guitar is used, just keyboards, some programming, and great drumming. There is an adventurous thread through the record as well, especially on the deliberate, meticulous, and layered “Astrology Days” that resembles something from Radiohead circa Kid A. Some numbers are quirky and challenging, including “Fall Bicycle”, which does take some time to get into. But a song like “Birds” turns one on immediately with its hooks, twists, and turns a la M83. Although there are 10 songs here, it is basically one joyful ride that goes up, down, up, sideways, down, and up again, exemplified by a mellower ditty named “Pittsburgh Left”.