Simple Living
À Tant Rêver du Roi, 2020
9/10
I love it when great band names align with equally fantastic music.
Now a trio, France’s Pyjamarama may have lost a member, but their lively rhythms and infectious harmonies sound bigger than ever with Simple Living, their sophomore album.
After the buzzing opener “Signals”, where bright indie-pop flows with grace and playfulness, “Flatland” continues the setting with a more experimental base, as dual gender vocals and a busy delivery settle in nicely.
Further on, “Pitfall” moves with jagged rhythm that shifts from quick and aberrant to calm and soulful, while “The Zone” is a jangly strummer with a punky spirit and radiant landscape that approaches song of the year contention. “Heat Beam”, another strong tune, then builds from a memorable synth line into an ‘80s influenced New Wave rocker.
Near the end, “Palatability” starts as a slow burner but escalates into a soaring atmosphere of chunky bass lines, spirited guitars and crisp percussion, and “S.L.C. (Smart Lads Committee)” exits the record fuzzy, loud and anthemic with an off kilter approach that’s searing with melody and unpredictable patterns.
One of the most interesting albums in recent history under the indie-rock umbrella, expect some psychedelia, a smattering of funk, and a barrage of melodies in Pyjamarama’s infectious formula that could surely be the antidote to any Cruel Summer with its gloriousness.
Travels well with: Mount Sharp- That Shadow; K. Campbell- Chords Come Easy