A genre called “drag” sounds like, well, a drag. A genre called “witch house,” on the other hand, seems more enticing. Well, these two equally imprecise phrases describe the same sound, which will gain exposure this fall with the debut album by drag/witch house innovators Salem.

Salem creates the most morose electronic music around. Throw some paint-peelingly slow vocals atop the mellow bits from Nine Inch Nails’ Ghosts I-IV and you’re left with something that’s still more upbeat than Salem. The Midwestern trio got a bit of exposure last month in a Pitchfork feature on drag, having released two EPs (one of which was titled Yes, I Smoke Crack). Though their profile may rise with debut full-length King Night, out September 28th on IAMSOUND, something tells us this sound isn’t headed for the big time.

You can listen to two songs from the disc at the band’s MySpace, along with some older tracks. “Frost” channels an über-depressed the xx, while “Trapdoor” sounds like a Lil Jon song slowed way, way down. It’s worth a listen; just make sure all the razor blades are out of reach.

King Night Tracklist:
01. King Night
02. Asia
03. Frost
04. Sick
05. Release Da Boar
06. Trapdoor
07. Redlights
08. Hound
09. Traxx
10. Tair
11. Killer