Excerpt: “Iretsu are a band that sound like no other, with a theatrical bent that underpins their clever math-pop + anything goes style. They’re a band with boundless energy, to the point where you don’t quite know what to expect.  It seems there’s always something new on the horizon when this Portland, Oregon quartet is around.  It’s as if they have tapped into a 4th dimension of pop, one which us mere mortals cannot see. ‘Sexy, No?’ is their new (free download) single, lifted from last year’s excellent ‘Fang’ LP and released by the consistently great Australian imprint Hidden Shoal (more on them soon).  It’s a funky number anchored by a throbbing, forthright bass line and bongo-infused percussion, which leaves the guitar free to create some interesting, exuberant sounds amidst the layered vocals.  It’s another feather in the cap for the peerless Iretsu, a band that continually proves to be as eclectic as they come.  Such eclecticism doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the song either, there’s no needless noodling, Iretsu don’t need to flex their instrumental prowess.  Instead, ‘Sexy, No?’ is delivered in a succinct, infectious and delightful fashion.”

Phantom Channel

Excerpt: “I am perhaps a bit late to the party – given that Portland Oregon quartet Iretsu launched their album, Fang, late last year. However, with their second single, ‘Sexy, No?’ a recent release, I think it best to look at the track in the context of the album that it was recorded as part of. Provocative, in both title and bassline, Sexy, No? slouches and swaggers in a fashion that – despite the group’s avant-pop reputation is a little reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand’s Ulysses. That’s not to call it derivative, there’s too much nuance here for it to ever be a balls-to-the-wall pop song. However, the insistent bass riff and accompanying electric guitar hooks certainly leave this tune standing as one of the punchiest and most accessible of the 14 on the album…. Iretsu acquit themselves across a range of styles; the dreamy waltz of Sleep, sparsely arranged with whistles, tambourine and deep semi-spoken vocals is a gentle folk lullaby. Meanwhile, Ha Ra is reminiscent of a slightly-reserved Of Montreal; confident vocals, simple rhythm section and a smirking air that feels like it conceals an inside joke…. If you want Iretsu the indie pop band, the singles are the best place to start; however, if you’re after a more varied tapestry, Fang covers quite a lot of ground. The avant-everything label should probably be taken with a grain of salt, but even so, there is an abundance of genre-bending talent within the group and lovers of the eclectic will probably find plenty here to sink their teeth into.”

Reviewed Music

Excerpt: “Iretsu’s sound—one that’s vital, confusing and, in a rare change-up for these predictable days, unexpected—is still totally modern. Its latest full-length, Fang, proves that we all should have been paying more attention all these years... Few bands work with space as well as Iretsu: Songs like the short instrumental ‘Swells’ and the circular ‘Sleep’ are given ample room to breathe, stretch and stumble along to a satisfying ending. Fang is not a bombastic record, but rather one that slowly grows on you after repeated listens… Fang isn’t meant for anyone looking for instant gratification or ‘the next big thing’… Of everything on Fang, ‘Humbuzzer’ is the easiest thing to latch on to, but it’s just one of many treasures available if you’re willing to give the band time to settle in. Iretsu obviously took awhile to make something it was proud of. The resulting record demands—and deserves—the same patience out of its listeners.”

Local Cut

Excerpt: “Fang is equal parts swelling atmospherics and jagged melodies… The title track builds slowly over chiming glockenspiel and simmering synthesizers. When ‘Fang’ finally arrives it has the mathy pop of Pinback– angular, funky guitar lines and call-and-response vocals. ‘Humbuzzer’ is full out post-punk, driving drums and droning noise that feels too short at 2:31.  But Iretsu is just at home playing with space and sound. ‘Kiddo’ and ‘Swell’ are contemplative, airy, keyboard-driven pieces. ‘Sleep’ is a mellow, spaghetti-western waltz complete with bass backing vocals and whistling. Fang is an intent and cohesive record for Iretsu. It’s been a six years since they first released a full length, and the time has suited them well.”

Oregon Music News