Download: Miracles' Revved-Up, Caustic "Tripwire"

​Nervy post-punkers Miracles mix the rollicking math rock grooves of their Chicago birthplace with the charred Casio crunch of their new Brooklyn digs. Somewhere in between the endless rhythms of Public Image Limited and Bastro lies Miracles' mix of the abrasive and the hypnotic, a steady stream of towering stomp-'n'-go that boils under Adam Stolorow's giddy keyboard bubbles and his dizzy, Lungfish-style bark. Last year's LP Ovum is still available on vinyl, and the crew is steadily working on writing a follow-up by summertime. In the meantime, they've released two teaser tracks: "Quarantine" b/w "Tripwire." The B-side wins again as "Tripwire" combines tricky Oneida grooves, a caustic snarl that brings to mind Mark E. Smith and a pulsating keyboard singe that sounds like tiny remote-controlled motors revving up.

Download: Miracles, "Tripwire"

Q&A: Miracles on "Tripwire"

What is "Tripwire" about?

Adam Stolorow, vocals/keyboards: It's a song about the hazards of being in love with a coyote spirit. This one takes the form of a girl. It's a California story. The working title stuck and the lyrics sort of morphed around under it.

What inspired it musically?

Stolorow: Our drummer Chris played most of our songs so effortlessly and without breaking a sweat that we tried to push him on this one. This was our attempt to break him down. It still didn't work.

Do you have a favorite tripwire scene in a TV show or movie?

Stolorow: Predator!

Tell me about making your overdriven keyboard sounds. What draws you to that noise?

Stolorow: I've burned through a series of crappy Gorilla amps trying to get the right drone. I'm not sure exactly where it started, but the cheap distorted keyboard was the first building block for what I think of as our sound.

Baxter Holland, bass: Our first ever rehearsal was in Adam's parents' living room while they were gone for a weekend. Every single thing we wrote in that session was promptly thrown out, but the tone of that keyboard was a keeper.

What is one thing you love about New York more than Chicago?

Stolorow: The winters! One a.m. on the frozen El train platform with the wind howling by is no joke.

What's the most memorable show you've played in New York City?

Holland: We actually have to give you two, here. The first was opening for Wilderness at Union Pool about four years ago. They are consummate performers and incredibly generous, lovely people. They're one of the few bands we've seen that truly inhabit the songs as they play them. The second was playing at Death by Audio with Clipd Beaks, These Are Powers and Shooting Spires. Everybody brought their A game. The place was packed, the attendees were enthusiastic, and we all just lost our minds.

What's your favorite place to eat in Brooklyn?

Stolorow: Roman's in Fort Greene, Buttermilk Channel in Carroll Gardens and the Gowanus Yacht Club in the summer--with a couple pitchers of Jever and some brats!