Listen Up: Retribution Gospel Choir

"Retribution Gospel Choir" (Caldo Verde)

Alan Sparhawk of the Minnesota slo-core trio Low is turning his amps up and adding distortion to his new project, Retribution Gospel Choir.

The result is the antithesis of the weary, lo-fi sound Sparhawk perfected in his other band, though hints of this seismic shift could be felt on 2005's "The Great Destroyer."

The self-titled debut collects 10 sludgy songs that power themselves on hefty, drawn- out stoner rock riffs, sinewy drum patterns and Sparhawk's snarling vocals, and for every foray into psychedelic chaos, there's also a serving of catchy pop choruses with delightful -- and incredibly memorable -- melodies. DOWNLOAD: "For Her Blood"

-- Shawn Telford