Strange Ranger

From kynes 11/24/2019 11:33

To think they said jangle pop is dead!

Well, nobody really said that, I suppose, but it's no secret that the indie rock of the past two decades has chosen either a harder edge or an anthemic tinge over brightness on top of brightness. Strange Ranger have articulated a synthesis of emo-adjacent indie rock and C86 sheen on "Remembering the Rockets" to excellent effect, putting together one of the warmest, most inviting records of the year.

That element of invitation is definitely the standout quality of Remembering the Rockets. It works its way into that comfortable, plush place in your psyche that personal favorites reside in in only a few listens, with its plaintive reflections on love (lost and gained!) and synthy-pleasure. It's familiar. Homey. "Sunday" makes no qualms about this, with its Cure-homage verses and intuitive melody (which comes at no surprise given their supposed Disintegration obsession).

If you can't tell, this record gets me really excited for indie rock to once again take a more melodic, harmonic direction. The group's style is built on a straightforward melodic intuition rather than an effort to challenge or subvert expectations. It's satisfying, rewarding, even. It's just musical.