Portland-based band Hosannas come through with a new album on Fresh Selects titled Picture Him Protecting You. Led by Rico Laws & Brandon Laws on all vocals and instruments, the group has been able to craft a smooth, melodic and beautiful brand of synth-led rock music.

There are plenty of jazz influences throughout in some of the instrumental jams and free-spirited improvisation. “In All Ways Sun” is an example of this, will Animal Collective-like synth-leads that build up as the track goes on with subtle guitar leads and drum patterns that provide some infectious grooves. The same can be said about the track “Enough” which sounds tribal in its percussive arrangements and bassline, but which also feature the soothing vocals of the lead singer. The last track “Fix It” is an 8-minute masterpiece, with synths, basslines and drum patterns being layered with the addition of swirling and at times distorted guitar leads. The rhythms on this track are just infectious to the highest degree. The album is accompanied by Alexi Erenkov on flute for “Sheep Soda,” Lane Barrington on drums for “Hands” and Gabe Katz on drums for “Fix It.”

I definitely recommend Hosannas as they really are pushing the boundaries of what rock and jazz music can sound like these days. An excellent release from a great band on such an important record label – big shoutout to Fresh Selects who always come through with the most interesting and eclectic releases.

Listen to Hosannas’ Picture Him Protecting You below via Bandcamp and make sure you support the music!