This time of year, everyone’s looking for new music to play with the car windows down. If you want to expand your indie collection, look no further than San Cisco. The four-piece Australian band consists of Jordi Davieson (guitar, lead vocals), Josh Biondillo (guitar, vocals), Nick Gardner (bass) and Scarlett Stevens (drums, vocals). This ensemble of twenty-something year-olds released its debut self-titled album “San Cisco” in 2012 under Fat Possum Records. This week marks the release of their sophomore album “Gracetown.”
“Gracetown” possesses a more mature sound compared to the first album, but doesn’t forgo the upbeat tunes that brought the band its initial success. Lyrically, the 12 tracks are about relationships: from high school love, to jealousy, to personal space issues.
The first track and single “RUN” brings a psychedelic feeling to listeners, with a trippy music video to match. “Too Much Time Together,” the next track and second single, moves to an upbeat rhythm. It’s about the band spending so much time together touring since its first album’s release.
The third track, titled “Magic” is one of more interesting songs on “Gracetown.” Unlike the band’s other songs, Stevens does the vocals. She’s previously performed duets with the lead singer, Davieson, but she doesn’t disappoint when she flies solo.
While these first three songs on “Gracetown” comprise a powerhouse of indie pop, the rest of the album also shows San Cisco’s talent. “Jealousy” is a suave ballad that has individual verses by both Davieson and Stevens. The acoustic melody titled “Skool” takes the listener to days of high school love. It’s a light and adorable song that can take you through a stroll down memory lane.
After becoming a successful name in Australia, San Cisco will be making the push to be heard throughout the United States. Following their performances this week at SXSW, they will be performing in Brooklyn as well as the Mercury Lounge.
For any lover of indie music, “Gracetown” — as well as its predecessor, “San Cisco” — are albums that deserve some space on your playlist.