Polyvinyl Delivers More Synth Pop
Although it might be given away by simply being on Polyvinyl, Forever is another entry into the world of sunny synth-backed indie pop. Forever is the duo’s debut LP, and while the album does bleed together at times, Painted Palms shows promise with their ability to marry some laptop-born indie with “She loves you yeaah yeaah yeaah”. The title track shows this more than any of the others, with its could-have-been-written-by-McCaurtney melody bumping along through the reverb and electronic beebling. Alongside the Beatles, Painted Palms throws a few bones to Brian Wilson’s melodic ballads as well, most obvious in “Soft Hammer”. The influence of both pop favorites is called upon often, as the duo tries to use their knack for pop-driven songcraft in an attempt to overcome their well-trodden indie sound. Where it all comes to a head though, is on “Carousel”. It is easily the best track, with a laxer tempo and a sound that is more of their own than any of the others. Not to mention, it’s just plain catchy. Forever may not be the strongest of albums, but if you’re looking for a couple of great sunny indie-pop singles to warm up with, Painted Palms has your back.
Rec. Tracks: 6, 9, 4, 2, 5,
RIYL: Somebody Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, all those other Polyvinyl acts, Diiv, and maybe even Beach Fossils with synthesizers
Reviewed by Doug Bybee on 2-18-14