Two Inch Astronaut has been playing in one configuration or another since 2009, though founding members Matt Gatwood and Sam Rosenberg’s musical relationship dates back to the early 2000’s. Beginning as an acoustic and cello driven side project, they quickly evolved into making rock music as a trio. After three well received full lengths released on Exploding in Sound Records (with praise from Pitchfork, NPR, Stereogum and more), the Wheaton, MD based trio (including Andy Chervenak of Grass is Green) return with Can You Please Not Help, the band’s fourth album since 2013. The prolific trio have created their most nuanced and vibrant recordings yet; leaning on their pop strength while remaining true to their propensity for tangled chord progressions and unpredictable rhythms.

The album was once again recorded by one of the band’s influences, J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels), at the Magpie Cage in Baltimore, Maryland. Two Inch Astronaut just keep getting better and Can You Please Not Help is built around pop-centric exploration and reflective songwriting.