Ragdoll Dance by Institute

Ragdoll Dance by Institute is high energy proto-punk that effortlessly blends the fuzzy, straightforward rhythm guitar progressions of early punk with the crashing cymbals and wandering, independent guitar melodies of psychedelic rock. Insistent 16th note bass lines with bright, washed-out guitars charge forward alongside indifferent vocals, the project’s lyrics and old school punk attitudes retrofitted for a 2020s audience. A notable part of this new-school approach is a halfway cheeky attitude that prevents things from becoming too melodramatic. Institute uses a DIY recording approach that only enhances the project’s sense of authenticity; it works vastly in their favor to keep this gritty, lofi sound, with various drones and buzzes contributing to a full sound. Some projects require delicate mixing and a vast soundscape to achieve their vision, but a crisper mix would leave this album’s elements sounding thin and overproduced. - Carrie