Discus w/ FINICK

Discus grew out of a long-kept creative partnership between brothers Jake and Paul Stolz, who began writing songs in their childhood basement in Oak Park, IL almost as soon as they learned to play instruments. Pool Holograph’s artful angularity, Varsity’s love of pop and melody, and Central Heat Exchange’s wide-ranging emotional appeal all audibly influence the band’s approach. The live band — which includes drummer Nick Konkoli, clarinet / keys player and vocalist Sarah Clausen, and bassist Kevin Fairbairn — perfectly evokes the golden-era oughts indie of The Radio Dept, Broadcast, or The American Analog Set. It’s an unexpected premise to hang Discus’ breezy indie rock on, but in many ways it’s a proof of concept for To Relate To, the Chicago quintet’s sophomore LP.