People Get Ready

Steven Reker is a musician, dancer, and choreographer who's worked with David Byrne, Miranda July, and others. Luke Fasano drummed for Yeasayer for a number of years. With two other members on board, they join forces as People Get Ready; the resulting music feels like a tiny feather fluttering in the wind, buoyant and kinetic and free from gravity's restraints. Reker's voice veers between a sensual Bryan Ferry and—especially when paired with keyboardist Jen Goma (of A Sunny Day in Glasgow)—a quivering Russell Mael of the classic (and underrated) Sparks. Fasano bangs and drums—mostly on snares and toms—while dark organ notes underpin airy, fluttery vocals and jangling bells or a looped vocal chant spars with an echoing floor tom and churchy synths. "New June" has a beguiling goth–meets–global pop vibe, while "Windy Cindy" has a sweet, summery energy driving Reker's shiny guitars and Fasano's clattering percussion. PGR's live shows are reportedly equal parts performance art and indie rock hip-swayers, and this debut pegs the band as one to keep an eye on.