Exclusive Album Stream: ‘Rituals,’ Honduras

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROCK FETCH.

Rituals is about becoming more self-aware, finding balance within relationships, and being comfortable with yourself,” says vocalist and guitarist Patrick Phillips of Brooklyn-based band Honduras’s debut album. “The songs were written after I got out of a three year relationship. I moved out of my girlfriend’s apartment and was crashing at a friend’s place until I could afford a room of my own,” he continues. “I was struggling with identity and had forgotten what it was like to spend so much time alone. Writing these songs and simplifying my days helped me rediscover the things I enjoy about life.”

Rituals, which is exclusively streaming in its entirety below and will be released next Friday, September 25, is filled with lo-fi garage rock interspersed with elements of krautrock and psych. Childhood friend Tyson Moore (lead guitar) first joined Phillips after the pair met in a Bushwick basement and bonded over their interest in the late ’70s punk scene. Since then, they’ve added Josh Wehle (drums) and Paul Lizarraga (bass) to the lineup, expanded their sonic range, and began playing alongside acts like Twin Peaks, Drowners, and Metz. Earlier this year, Honduras reached a new level, when they opened for Brtipop staple Blur at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.

“Paralyzed,” the LP’s fifth track, fueled by Phillips nearly spoken and scratchy vocals, acts as a centerpiece for the album, and the video features Sunflow Bean‘s Julia Cumming. “When we heard back an early demo of ‘Paralyzed’ that me and Tyson recorded in his bedroom, we were pretty excited,” Phillips recalls. “The demo was new sonic territory for us. It helped us evolve.”

During the writing and recording process of Rituals, Phillips was listening to bands like Deerhunter, Stereolab, Beat Happening, Exploding Hearts, The Strokes, and Parquet Courts, while also reading his ex-girlfriend’s Henry Miller books. These influences worked their way into the LP, which Honduras recorded live. “It took some time, but allowed the record to sound and feel warm and organic,” Phillips says of the process. “It made us a better, more cohesive band.”

RITUALS WILL BE RELEASED NEXT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 AND CAN BE PRE-ORDERED HERE. FOR MORE ON HONDURAS AND UPCOMING TOUR DATES, VISIT THE BAND’S WEBSITE