Rima, the new album from D.C. indie-pop quartet Pree, represents a significant evolution for the band. It builds on the solid foundation established on its first LP, Folly, but sees the group moving beyond indie-folk and embracing a fuller sound — while remaining all sorts of poppy.
Then again, there’s enough variety packed into Rima to warrant repeat listens. May Tabol’s warbly vocals are still the star of the show here, as they’ve always been. Rima’s instrumentals showcase some strong performances from guitarist Michael Zepeda, bassist Ben Schurr and drummer Ben Usie; Zepeda’s guitars twinkle along, melding with Schurr’s danceable bass grooves and accented by Usie’s deftly handled drum work.
Pree recorded Folly in a series of basements, bedrooms and attics, and the recording quality showed it. The sonics get an upgrade on Rima, which compliments the richer direction in which the band seems to be headed.
Brooklyn label Paper Garden Records released Rima Tuesday, and the band plays a release show Friday at Black Cat with locals Heavy Breathing and Young Rapids.