Combustible Gems – Slumberland Records
New Jersey-based Lightheaded are back, following their bright and fun debut Ep for Slumberland last year, Good Good Great. With this new release and debut full-length, Combustible Gems, they progress forward in their sound – still a mix of 60s sensibilities, but with a tighter focus and shinier production. The music is charming, with shimmering guitars (in the vein of Alvvays), bouncy melodies, and chamber pop vibes. The sounds are retro and familiar sounding, however, Lightheaded seem to be growing into themselves, as there is a jump in maturity for this debut compared to their EP last year. Certainly, fans of twee will enjoy all this has to offer.
“Bright Happy Girls,” track 5, has a sharp hook, with a Who-like bounce and guitars – John Entwistle and Pete Townsend would be proud. Track 6, “Hugging Horizons,” slides into Alvvays territory, with magical hints of lo-fi harmonies. Track 1, “Always Sideways,” has a bassline that Peter Hook would love – then sparkling guitars and synths take charge to bounce with Cynthia Rittenbach’s lovely and anguished vocals. “Dawn Hush Lullaby,” track 2, finds Lightheaded playing with a 60s beat then shifting into twee, with synths and strings blanketing the background.
Track listing –
1: Always Sideways
2: Dawn Hush Lullaby
3: Moments Notice
4: Still Sitting Sunday
5: Bright Happy Girls
6: Hugging Horizons
7: You and Your Mother
8: Because of You
Favorites: 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
– (h)earwitness