News of the Universe – Sub Pop Records
News of the Universe is simply a joyously inventive album, with La Luz expanding on their signature surf guitar sound. Synths, hazy harmonies, and droning fuzz shape this record and give it a fresh feel for the Seattle based quartet. This effort marks the last contributions from long-time members Alice Sandahl (keys) and Lena Simon (bass), with producer and engineer Maryam Qudus staying on as the new keyboard player. Five albums in, last original member and front woman, Shana Cleveland, writes about themes of turmoil, being a mother, surviving breast cancer, womanhood, and connection to the outer world. The promotional materials mention being influenced by sci-fi writer, Octavia Butler.
Track 8, “I’ll Go With You,” starts with a very sci-fi synth beat before shifting to a dreamy 60s-like ballad. Another ballad, “Always in Love,” track 6, soft and breathy vocals that mix surf with psych-rock guitar and keyboard. “Strange World,” is trippy, with 70s harmonies floating in the background – summer beach traveling music. The title track goes all in with the surf-guitar intro, yet goes into a gentle, almost haunting slow beat lo-fi.
You can’t go wrong with any of the tracks on News of the Universe. All are just fun and delightful!
Track listing –
1: Reaching Up to The Sun
2: Strange World
3: Dandelions
4: Poppies
5: Good Luck with Your Secret
6: Always in Love
7: Close Your Eyes
8: I’ll Go with You
9: Blue Moth Cloud Shadow
10: News of the Universe
11: Moon in Reverse
12: Blue Jay
Faves: 8**, 6**, 2**, 10*, 9*, and 4.