(Cover art by  Cora Rose Nimtz ) Sister Species is the longstanding chamber pop project of Emily Kastrul, also of Betazoid . That funky synth band was how I was introduced to Kastrul's music at large, which subsequently led to Ear Coffee's coverage of the first two singles off of Sister Species' new album, Light Exchanges . Previously titled Still I Am Still , Kastrul and their six collaborators (including three trumpet players) created a love letter to stillness and the peace that comes with it. Allusions to nature and the elements flow in and out of Kastrul's lyrics, as they dwell on their relationship with things greater than any of us. I sent a handful of questions to Kastrul, who was kind enough to answer. The following interview has been edited and (minimally) condensed. How did the current band that performed on/contributed to Light Exchanges  come together? You worked with nearly all of them on the last two Sister Species records as well (2016's Closer Now ...

Hit the Skids - "Cloud 9" (self-released) Richfield? Underrated! Hit the Skids adhere to the classic belief that there is no need for a fourth chord. The Richfield trio keeps it straightforward and potent on their first single of 2020, "Cloud 9." This no-frills throwback punk at its finest — the most common lyric is the word "yeah!" after all. There's never been a need to adorn songs like this with any bells and whistles. Instead, Alex Fuller, Jake Yaeger, and Vic Fischer let the music speak for itself. The single includes a live version of the song recorded at the Depot Coffee House in Hopkins, featuring Matthew Mwangi on drums. Check out both version below. Cloud 9 (Single) by Hit The Skids Sister Species - "Cottonwood Trees" (self-released) I love it when a band release totally opposite singles, back to back. Chamber pop septet Sister Species have pivoted from the catchy anxiety of "Heat Death" to ...

Another week of mostly catch-up (plus one new one)! If the huge amount of stuff we missed proves anything, it's that there are almost too many great bands putting out great music. Plus, there are only two of us, and we're both busy/tired/sad. Yet we must carry on. There's just too much music journalism money to be made. Sister Species - "Heat Death (Hold Me Here)" (self-released) For a song that is ostensibly about the end of the universe as we know it, "Heat Death" is remarkably calm. Lead by Emily Kastrul (of Betazoid), this septet brings their new single into the harsh light of a fresh winter. In this case, the illumination comes not from the sun, but from the vibrant horn arrangements, in delightful three-part harmonies. The world is crumbling and each one of us is helpless without an anchor. Kastrul pleads for someone or something to serve that purpose and provide the strength to persist through the burning winter and maybe even the combu...