Another example of a successful DIY project? Nearly ten years into his career, American singer/songwriter Alexei Shishkin has released his tenth album. Open Door Policy has twelve original indie pop/slacker rock songs, which are actually too rich and clever to simply be labeled as lo-fi bedroom pop. You’ll hear an intriguing interplay between compelling guitar melodies, an effective rhythm section, surprising sax interruptions, pleasant vocals, and poetic lyrics (“If you don’t know where to begin // Open the door, and I just might let ya in // Unless you’re a woodchuck” – from Animal Control), authentic and appealing, with a frayed edge. This is one of those records that never gets old.

Open Door Policy, recorded by Bradford Krieger, is out now digitally and on cassette through Candlepin Records and Rue Defense. Featuring Alexei Shishkin (vocals, guitar, keys), Graham W. Bell (guitar, backing vocals), Bradford Krieger (guitar, backing vocals, drums), Dave Kahn (bass), Ian Dwy (drums), Bill Waters (guitar, keys), Ivan Rodriguez (sax) and Eyal Sela (clarinet, sax).

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