ira glass Releases Debut EP, compound turbulence flexing for the heat, via Angel Tapes / Fire Talk

Today, Chicago quintet ira glass releases their debut EP, compound turbulence flexing for the heat, via Angel Tapes / Fire Talk. It is a breathtaking debut from ira glass, who have received praise from NPR Music, Paste, Northern Transmissions & more. Recorded at Electrical Audio and dedicated to its late founder Steve Albini, compound turbulence flexing for the heat marks ira glass’ studio debut, following two self-recorded demos.

Alongside three re-recorded demos, compound turbulence flexing for the heat introduces two new tracks from ira glass. “not to put too fine a point on it” begins in a bass-laden fog and clears to reveal vocalist/guitarist Lise Ivanova’s filtered vocals and her signature screamed delivery; on “[consider It] water under the bridge” she replaces the latter with a thrilling whisper before the track bursts. Across the EP, explosive moments are contrasted with exercises in restraint which provide a glimpse at ira glass’ mathy, post-rock contours.

compound turbulence flexing for the heat synthesizes ira glass’ propulsive energy with Electrical Audio’s storied environment. They utilized the studio’s extensive backline as well as self-sourced instrumentation — including a home-made “trash-stack” percussion set of cut, dented and otherwise damaged cymbals — to enact their own singular vision.

“We figured we’d lean into the fact that we were working with a limited budget and timeframe,” ira glass say of their debut, recorded over two days in the same space as records foundational for the band. It is a testament to their DIY ethos and a thrilling showcase of what’s possible when they’re given the room to play.

Listen to compound turbulence flexing for the heat

The members of ira glass were recruited via fliers posted around their hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Entitled “NOISY POST-HARDCORE INSTRUMENTALISTS DESIRED,” Ivanova’s original ad listed influences wide-sweeping and hyper-specific, ranging from “every john reis project” to “the first hole album” and name-dropping the likes of Unwound and Slint. ira glass’ resulting lineup solidified in mid-2024, and includes Sunny Betz (guitar), Landon Kerouac (drums), Jill Roth (saxophone), and Kaleb Wallace (bass). In less than a year, they’ve grown from strangers into an unyielding force.

compound turbulence flexing for the heat is available exclusively on a limited, one-time pressing of clear cassettes. ira glass will celebrate its release tonight in Chicago at Cole’s Bar. Tickets are available here, and a full list of live shows are below.

Purchase compound turbulence flexing for the heat

compound turbulence flexing for the heat Tracklist

1. bruxism in 8mm

2. not to put too fine a point on it

3. where’d you get the candy baby lol

4. [consider It] water under the bridge

5. torrid love affair with a family annihilator

ira glass live

Fri. July 12 - Chicago, IL @ Cole’s Bar * [EP RELEASE SHOW]

Sun. July 14 - Chicago, IL @ Space.01

Mon. July 22 - Chicago, IL @ Bookclub

Wed. July 24 - Chicago, IL @ Sleeping Village

Sat. Aug. 17 - Chicago IL @ Cole's Bar