Critic's Notebook

MP3 of the Day: Totem Pole’s “Stained Glass On”

Totem Pole's swirling polychromatic swoon of "Stained Glass On" is like an ominous thunderstorm rolling in, but with a subtle resemblance to a moderately paced version of the Mission Impossible theme. This is the beginning of the previously unreleased track from West Palm Beach psych-pop group. The bewitching, old school...
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Pole’s swirling polychromatic swoon of “Stained Glass On” is like an ominous thunderstorm rolling in, but with a subtle resemblance to a moderately paced version of the Mission Impossible theme. This is the beginning of the previously unreleased track from West Palm Beach psych-pop group. The bewitching, old school keyboards and breezy sound effects are complimented perfectly by frontman Kevin Williams’ disaffected, faraway vocals, which are much like the Stone Roses’ Ian Brown’s more meditative moments.

The cool and collective mood appeals to austere Brit pop fans

while the brooding and complex atmosphere draws in the prog-rock

contingent. There are undeniable Robert Fripp sensibilities abound

in the spiraling textures heard here.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Tess Bath’s pristine backup vocals.

Set against Middle Eastern strings, there are points in this song when

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the listener will feel like they are in throes of an Ambien-induced

sleepwalking haze.

This enchanting track will be included in the group’s debut EP Caves

and Tunnels, Mountains and Stairs due out July 15.

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Listen to “Stained Glass On” here.

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