From Essex (UK) act Smotherly Love, “Places to Be” is the captivating opener to their new EP, Predestinate Grooves. A murky, psych-friendly intrigue is apparent early. Jangly guitars and eerie synths concoct a fulfilling soundscape as the vocals develop. A busier rhythm section and dream-pop aesthetic emerges wonderfully in the second half, especially as the Beach House-esque guitars and backing lushness hit past the two-minute mark. “Places to Be” consumes with engrossing atmospheric and melodic qualities.
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“Places to Be” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of December 2020’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Dream-Pop.
