Dusk

UK duo Ultimate Painting’s music is minimalist in approach, but there is still a lot to latch onto. Most of that comes from the dual guitars, which jangle and intertwine softly and impeccably, held in place by sturdy and steady bass lines and spare drums. The Velvet Underground’s 1969 self-titled LP is what first comes to mind with Dusk, particularly in breezy psych numbers like “Monday Morning, Somewhere Central” (which features Wurlitzer) and “I’m Set Free.” Core members Jack Cooper (Mazes) and James Hoare (Veronica Falls) trade off hushed vocals, but the harmonies are no less striking. This is especially so on lead-off track “Bills,” which moves at a steady bob as the Krautrock bass line leads the way. Like the rest of Dusk, the song is gentle and seemingly barely there, like being lost in a daydream.