Pile - the trio of Rick Maguire, Kris Kuss, and Alex Molini - found inspiration in the studio while working on their latest LP All Fiction, working tirelessly to record, experiment, manipulate, mutate, and layer the songs with lush orchestration, haunting synths, and abstract textures. Challenging the confines of the standard “rock band,” they took inspiration from artists like Portishead and Aphex Twin, reigniting their passion as they explored their sound in a new realm. The sessions resulted in a flutter of productivity and before the band knew it they had completed well over a dozen songs, stretching far beyond the confines of a single LP’s runtime. After much deliberation, songs were pulled from the record, never a “trimming of the fat” but more of a consideration of which songs were able to stand best on their own. These songs form the Hot Air Balloon EP. Released digitally on January 5th, 2024, and now in LP format for the first time, the EP captures the band experimenting in all directions, from the direct to the further abstract. Following the release of “Scaling Walls,” a song Paste Magazine called “a contemplative slow-burn,” the band introduce the EP with the quasi title track, “The Birds Attacked My Hot Air Balloon,” a song that finds Pile in a more surrealist state, the meditative composition bristling with shuffling rhythms and brilliantly disorienting synths.
Release date:
November 15, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Vindicator Communal Decay
Nltm Records
May 30, 2025 -
Teen Mortgage Devil Ultrasonic Dream
Roadrunner UK
May 16, 2025 -
Cryptopsy An Insatiable Violence
Season Of Mist
June 20, 2025 -
Hippie Death Cult Live At The Star Theater
Heavy Psych Sounds
May 16, 2025 -
Calum Scott Avenoir (Transparent Pumpkin Spice)
Capitol
September 12, 2025 -
Esther Rose Want
New West Records
May 2, 2025 -
Tim Barnes Noumena
Quakebasket
June 27, 2025 -
Yamamoto Tsuyoshi Trio Requests: Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio Live Vol.2
Somethin'Cool
May 23, 2025 -
Rodeo Boys Junior (Orange Crush)
Don Giovanni
April 25, 2025 -
Jeff Carney Skylogue
Lion Music Finland
April 25, 2025 -
Maria Somerville Luster (Clear)
4Ad
April 25, 2025 -
Southern Avenue Family (Coke Bottle Clear)
Alligator Records
April 25, 2025 -
Rascal Flatts Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets (Blue)
Big Machine
June 6, 2025 -
Elsa Jump!
Jazzhaus Records
June 6, 2025