As the title may suggest, “1996” is a highly nostalgic ode of sorts — a melancholic “throwback to youth and growing up, accenting on the differences between the simplicity of another time.” The highly melodic alt-rock anthem from Corona, CA-based Castle Pines rides smoothly on twangy guitars and subdued vocals during the verses, while the chorus perks things up with an enjoyably emotive and anthemic uptick in emotion, reminiscent of The Wrens — especially with the snarling vocal addition around 02:30 and toward the track’s conclusion. “1996” is a really fantastic track from Castle Pines, who are now a group I’ll be following closely.
