The Laurels’ highly anticipated debut album, Plains has been making waves all over Australia, and now the Sydney psych-rock four piece is set to accomplish the same thing here in the US. I must say, I was very impressed by this album. Plains opens up Tidal Wave, a 6 and a half minute shoegaze nugget with fuzzy guitars and soft vocals that reminds me of My Bloody Valentine. The album transitions into the more explosive “Changing The Timeline,” which I could picture live with plenty of lights and quick changing visuals. “Changing The Timeline” is also a standout track with pulse racing distorted guitars and drumbeats. The album then slows itself down again and turns up the psych with the next track “Traversing The Universe.” Plains‘ 10 tracks interweave psychedelic pop and shoegaze without boring the listener, but instead creating an overall enjoyable album listening experience. By the end of Plains you’ll feel like you just had a journey through time and space.
With the US release of Plains imminent (April 16th) this is a band and album to look out for. The Laurels’ will also be bringing their critically acclaimed live show to the US this April (with a spot on the popular Austin Psych Fest) and May, which I will definitely be looking forward to. You can check out the full list of tour dates here and listen to the opening track “Tidal Wave” below.
