Seablite - “Melancholy Molly”

Seablite is one of a handful of exceptional indie pop bands coming out of the Bay Area. So much of what’s currently emanating from practice spaces in that region sounds eerily similar to another era, specifically, late 1980s Glasgow. Similar to that period in the Northern United Kingdom, the Bay Area is home to several bands whose clever pop sound is characterized by a distinct ramshackle jangle, while others are more liberal in their use of pedal effects to create hazier sonic atmospheres. And just like back then, some are skilled ar dabbling in both areas. Seablite fits comfortably into this category. The evidence is as clear as day on their excellent 2019 debut full-length, Grass Stains and Novocaine. Just compare and contrast songs like “Heart Mountain” to “Lollipop Crush,” and you’ll see exactly what I mean. They can change their stripes from Pastels to Jesus In Mary Chain pretty seamlessly, and many times, the band exists somewhere between the two. So, for all you modern-day indie pop purists, they’re kind of the real deal, and their latest single, “Melancholy Molly” is a prime example of their chameleonic approach to indie pop.

The echoey vocals and heavenly-sounding guitars on “Melancholy Molly” certainly give a shoegaze-y first impression, but beneath the surface, its foundational elements are firmly rooted in pop. For instance, the quartet smartly doesn’t let that ringing cyclical rhythm guitar take too much of a backseat. In addition, the harmonic vocal interplay between guitarist Lauren Matsui and bassist Galine Tumasyan forms the real crux of the song’s hook and appeal.

The band also shared a video for the track, which you can watch below.

“Melancholy Molly” will appear on Seablite’s forthcoming second full-length, Lemon Lights, which is out on September 29th via Mt. St. Mtn. You can pre-order the album on limited edition vinyl via their website. Keep up with Seablite by following them on Instagram.