This is an intricate and uplifting album of psych pop that sparkles and bubbles with electroacoustic detail- laid out on top of stellar songwriting. It’s the UK groups first record since 2016 and their fifth for the inimitable Drag City Records, so there’s the first good sign. The second is that I was hyped for this release by a post from E6s Robert Schneider where the psych pop legend said this was one of his favorite bands. High praises from someone who knows a thing or two about the sound.

I love this record already. It’s absolute ear candy. The variety of the sounds and the intricacy with which they’re assembled are enough to carry a record but the catchy pop songwriting and compelling delivery can’t be ignored. Songwriter Sean O’Hagan apparently plays on some of my favorite Stereolab records and Hey Panda has a similarly impossible atmosphere that’s as light as a breeze and thick as a tree trunk. Don’t miss this lovely pop record and do enjoy it with headphones and homegrown worthy of the effort that clearly went into these tunes.