https://soundcloud.com/immune-recordings/sets/cleared-drown/s-xINig
In 2009 Steven Hess and Michael Vallera, two of the figureheads of Chicago’s experimental music underground, formed the duo Cleared. They conceived of a sort of trilogy, starting with their 2011 self-titled debut, continuing with 2012’s Breaking Day, and now finishing up with Drown, out later this month. This last LP is effectively the refinement of everything the twosome set out to do in the first place – explore the dark/light interplay between murky, distorted drone music and lush ambient and dream pop textures and compositions. It’s an interestingly captivating juxtaposition. Stream it in full above; happy listening!

Drown is officially out May 20 via Immune Recordings.