Some days there are specific songs or artists I want to listen to that will enhance whatever I’m feeling that day. Some days when I need to get away from what I’m feeling, I’ll go the other direction. And then there are the days where I just want to listen and be entertained, and if it happens to hit on a feeling or idea then that’s great. This last set of days are when I will be listening to Tautologic.

“That’s What I Hear” is the latest off their upcoming record Wheels Fall Off, and it’s a whole bowl full of goodness. Now, sure, it’s about the crumbling of society at the hands of our government, but it’s also a great example of how you can make a fun song out of something serious. Listen to the interplay of instruments throughout this whole composition-it is very satisfying.

Ethan Sellers and his bandmates have created a really adventurous soundscape blending jazz and rock with pop and traditional folk. I saw a quick glimpse of a review that mentioned Zappa, and of course that’s in there. But my immediate thought was Jethro Tull. Probably due to the instrumentation, but also in the way they tell their story. It’s very satisfying to be able to pull out little things and still be able to enjoy the song as a whole. The sum is equal to the parts, and that’s always a welcome result.

Wheels Fall Off is due out in April, but if you dig this song you can pre-order it now on their Bandcamp page. If you purchase “That’s What I Hear” as a single for $1 or more between now and January 20th, 50% of all proceeds will go to the American Civil Liberties Union!!!

Tautologic is: Emily Albright (violin, vocals) Pat Buzby (drums) Nathan Britsch (bass) Chris Greene (tenor and soprano sax) Jay Montana (electric guitars) Ethan Sellers (keyboards, vocals)