The Warm Rock 7" is a new Record Store Day single from In Tall Buildings, the recording and performing moniker of Chicago musician Erik Hall (NOMO). Taking a break from the careful crafting of his sophomore full-length album, Erik completed this pair of tracks with an impulsive quickness that normally evades him.

Side A Features "Warm Rock," a cover of a song by Chicago friends Cains & Abels. The impetus for this recording was an invitation for Erik to contribute to a birthday compilations of songs written by C&A frontman (and birthday boy), David Sampson. Erik used the opportunity as a lesson in restraint and self-imposed the rule that he move from one instrument to the next while only allowing himself a single pass with each. The resulting performance is raw and urgent, full of flaws and spontaneity that are normally conveyed by a full band playing live in the studio. This version of "Warm Rock" is a rock and roll dirge - and an unabashed not to Neil Young and David Briggs.

Side B offers "The Way to a Monster's Lair (Bedroom Version)". The song is the result of the noodling that ensued the day Erik bought his Moog Prodigy analog synthesizer. Wire brushes, lap percussion, and acoustic piano samples fill out the mix to create a sweeping and cinematic rendition of this favorite from In Tall Buildings' 2010 full-length debut.

Whistler Records
April, 2011