New Jersey-based indie outfit Bristler recently released their debut album, Cascades at Play. reflecting the savors of post-rock and emo. Primarily recorded and produced by guitarist/vocalist Rudy Meier in his bedroom, Cascades at Play is both sonically unique and sumptuous. Made up of Meier, Biff Swenson (drums), and Dana Yurcisin (bass), Bristler’s genesis began when Meier, whose band Wetbrain would eventually dissolve, crossed paths with Yawn Mower, in which Swenson and Yurcisin played. After performing production and engineering work on Yawn Mower’s 2022 LP, To Each Their Own Coat, Meier would eventually join the band. A chemistry developed, leading Meier to form Bristler. Bristler’s sound suggests Death Cab for Cutie with traces of Steely Dan and CSN&Y—elegantly layered, precise, ...