Away From The Castle [Colored Vinyl] [Deluxe] (Pnk), Video Age, Vinyl

Video Age make breezy and timeless songs that are so ineffable, they can only be the result of a decades-long friendship and songwriting partnership. Across four albums, Ross Farbe and Ray Micarelli have gleefully worn their influences on their sleeve, writing inviting tunes that reference sounds ranging from disco to pop and indie rock. But on their latest LP, Away From the Castle, the New Orleans duo have strayed away from nostalgia, instead making organic songs that sound like themselves. It's their best collection of tracks to date and a reflection of Farbe and Micarelli's sturdy bond, pulling from the songbooks of classic singer-songwriters that inspired them in their early days. The album is a testament to the possibilities that come from getting out of your comfort zone, the freedom of writing vulnerably and unselfconsciously, and the joys of getting to work with your closest companions. Roughly one year after the record was first released, follow up their newest album 'Away From The Castle' with the deluxe edition, featuring a bonus 7" release. Side A, "Record Shop," a sparkling pop/rock cut is a theme song for record shop employees, the track follows a fictional record store clerk through a typical day in the life of slinging records. Alluding to classic 70s songs from acts like Don McLean, America, and NRBQ, Video Age are right at home in the pantheon of great American songwriters. Side B is a reworked version of the recent LP's title track called "Out In The Country." The track features Alt-Country/Americana singer Esther Rose, dueting with Video Age's Ross Farbe on this stripped-back acoustic swooner. The two tracks are the first new music from Video Age since 'Away From The Castle,' which was praised by The FADER, Aquarium Drunkard, Paste Magazine, Bandcamp, SiriusXMU and more.