When Totally Real Records announced The Speed of Time from phoneswithchords, I was instantly intrigued simply by the artwork - a cacophony of crackled paint forming a topographic map of sorts. Turns out the piece is called "The Whole Kitchen Sink" - which certainly makes sense. Truthfully, there's a RIYL in the bio that cites "The Dandy Warhols, Pixies, Flaming Lips, R.E.M. " - bands that I know Bryan from Totally Real Records would not include in a bio if it weren't an accurate recommendation. Those are lofty band comparison to make but listening back, they are a great jumping off point. I'd throw in Sparklehorse, Goldcard and Sebadoh in the ring for good measure.

Of course, comparing one band to another band should only serve as a way to get you in the door - I don't mean to insinuate that The Speed of Time is ripping those bands off. There is a delightful bedroom style production to the record but only aids in making the fuzzy parts fuzzier and the intimate parts more intimate. "Are You Asleep?" and title track "The Speed of Time" are great examples of both, respectively.

Really enjoying the record and finding that it grows on me with each repeated listen. Tracks like "I Won't Let You Down" are enjoyable pop gems on first listen but feel like a wistful, explosive, yearning for spring on repeated plays.

Get it in your ears and make sure to follow along for future releases.