If you were to tell Pittsburgh-based Indie band 1, 2, 3 that its new EP made you fell asleep, the members would be thrilled. That’s because “slumber” is the main goal of the twosome’s five-track release, Dreamland Pt. 1 (For Daisy), an unexpected collection of Dream Pop lullabies recorded in honor of 1, 2, 3 singer Nic Snyder’s new baby niece (download it for free at 123land.tumblr.com). The duo probably needed a nap, as well — 2011 was a breakout year for 1, 2, 3 (which becomes a foursome live), as the group toured extensively behind its debut LP, New Heaven, an impossibly eclectic showcase of unanticipated but somehow perfectly fitting dynamics. The duo manages to create an endearing sound that is whisper-in-your-ear intimate and sparse — with elements of Indie Rock, collaging and artful Electronica — but somehow feels richly atmospheric and full-bodied. If a Sign o’ the Times-era Prince made an album with The Dirty Projectors and M83, it might sound like New Heaven. The band plays a free show 10 p.m. Sunday at MOTR Pub with Chicago’s Pet Lions.
This article appears in Jan 4-10, 2012.
