Home Anywhere
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
A Bay Area outfit spearheaded by Liz Brooks (vocals, synth) and Paul McCorkle (synth, production), Sunset Lines also brings new members Scott Smit (bass) and Ben Manning (drums) into the fold on this ‘80s pop spirited EP that blurs the lines between psych-pop and New Wave in very cozy ways.
“Unresponsive” starts the listen with a flowing version of indie-pop, where bright synth work and equally luminous singing guides the ‘80s nods and dreamy setting, and “Phototaxis” follows with a calmer pace of summery melodies that builds into a busy display of creative pop prowess.
The middle tracks offer us the charming and playful buzzing of “Smoke Signals”, while “Read The Whole Room” moves cautiously, amid a mysterious quality that fades into a sparse pulse of gentle beauty.
Towards the end, “Season Of The Witch” recruits piano and some of the most expressive singing into the breezy climate, and “Easy To Offend” exits the listen with a soaring delivery of hazy, memorable song craft that resonates with both retro and modern ideas.
After a couple year hiatus following the release of their debut EP, Sunset Lines returns with this more synth dominant formula that sounds right at home alongside legends like Tears For Fears, but also blends in well with today’s indie-rock scene. Toss in some precisely skilled production and strong attention to songwriting detail, and you’ve got some of the best synth driven pop you’ll hear all year.