I feel privileged to live in the timeline where both Alvvays and Smut are active. I’m not intending to turn this review into a direct comparison between these two acts, but it is a convenient comparison, and a case study of how some well deserving bands seem to fly under the radar of the usual indie darling media outlets. I won’t dive into a music exegesis here, but this is the first thing that popped into mind upon my third listen of the record.

The Chicago based jangly rock act often shimmers and dives into outright dream pop territory, without being self-limiting in their sound. The sound is crisp, warm, down to earth, and effervescent. In spite of my not-so-subtle complaint of the band not getting their due in my opening statement, the band has an impressive touring resume, which when put together gives proper context to their sound. Bully, Wavves, Swirlies, Nothing, and more. Add to this, they have roots in Cincinnati – a city that’s always been implanted in my mind as a city with more “vibey” music, as compared to the more abrasive indie rock. You have all the trappings of the next indie darling, here.

Each song feels like a sibling to the others, with the glue holding it all together being impeccable production and the compelling, warm vocals of Tay Roebuck. The title track and “Morningstar” form a distinct juxtaposition; the latter leans a bit into trip hop territory, and the warm vocals dripping with a hint of darkness. In the title track however, the vocals are light and airy, and the instrumentation is more restrained, with the occasional reverb and echo adding some mystery and unease to the meat of the track. “Believe You Me” is a mid-tempo track that flirts with being a dream pop power ballad. It sounds like it could be a cousin of emerging Columbus act Left Out, actually (someone put these bands on a bill together – please).

Overall, this album functioned as a late-in-the-year surprise for me. 2023 is looking like it should be bright for this act, but undoubtedly they’ll embrace this brightness on their own terms.

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