Heartbreaking Bravery

The world that PILE inhabit is a hypnotic one that’s impossible to turn away from after being subjected to it. They’ve been operating on such a high level for so long that any time new material from the Boston band surfaces, it feels more like an event than a footnote. Their upcoming 7″ Special Snowflakes b/w Mama’s Lipstick is no exception. PILE were gracious enough to allow a stream of the first side of that upcoming record (due out in March via Exploding in Sound) and it doesn’t disappoint. “Special Snowflakes” is nearly seven and a half minutes of the band running through all of their hallmarks with their signature aplomb. From an evocative tension that recalls the Dirty Three at their best to arresting melodies for both vocals and guitar to impossibly graceful moments of sludge, it’s clear that they’re firing on all cylinders. To attempt to dive into every great section of “Special Snowflakes” would likely only take away from the experience, which is an experience worth having and frequently returning to. While PILE has only revealed half of this release, it’s difficult to imagine that the other side would make this anything less than what will likely be one of 2014’s very best 7″ releases. Hear PILE take “Special Snowflakes” from a whisper to a blood-curdling shout by streaming the song below.