Gold Past Life
Merge, 2019
8/10
Fruits Bats are embarking on a new chapter with this 8th album and first for the Merge label, and not so surprisingly, themes about moving on make up the bulk of Gold Past Life, both literally and metaphorically.
“The Bottom Of It” starts the album strong with ambiance, breezy melodies and Eric Johnson’s inimitable vocals guiding us through a dreamy brand of indie-pop, and “Gold Past Life” follows with strummed acoustic guitars and ‘70s influences that are soulful, almost psyche-rock flavored.
Moving along, “Drawn Away” moves with a quick pace and warm, retro-rock influences, while “Cazadera” brings the atmosphere down to calmer territory with a punchy folk-rock spirit where keys complement the affair.
The second half of the album offers the strong beat and pedal steel of “Your Dead Grandfather”, the piano balladry of “Barely Living Room”, and the album highlight, “Mandy From Mohawk (Wherever You May Be)”, where elegant yet playful indie-rock resides. The album ends on “Two Babies In Michigan”, a synth fueled exit where Johnson strategically uses reverb and nostalgia.
A record most closely rooted in folk-rock, there’s surf moments, psychedelic stabs, and plenty of pop sensibilities to be had on this reflective, thoughtful effort from the always creative mind of Johnson. Now 20+ years old, if Fruit Bats are going to expand their audience significantly outside of indie-rock circles, Gold Past Life will be the impetus and rightfully so as it’s a standout in a glowing catalog.
Travels well with: Ages And Ages- Me You They We; The Shins- Oh, Inverted World