Seattle-based quartet Larches show a stirring alt-rock sound across their new album Attack of the Telephones. A myriad of nostalgic rock inspiration — from ’90s nostalgia like The Pixies to the psych-friendly indie of the Elephant 6 collective — is worn proudly throughout the release, which was written, produced, and mixed by band member Jacob Cona.
“Vessels” is a stellar opener, showcasing the act’s knack for evolving structural charm. Lush acoustics and a spacey, textured backing intrigues from the get-go, rising with sweltering intensity to blasts of guitar distortion. The interchanging between contemplative scene-setting and anthemic rock-guitar outbursts make for a climactically gripping flow. Another success, “Birthday” traverses with similarly compelling momentum, offering a more lushly melodic appeal in its fusing of jangly guitar swirls, mellow vocals, and understated keys; the track is a standout success, and an easy addition to our Emerging Indie Rock playlist.
The rest of the album retains the inviting, melodic qualities — from the intimate Elliott Smith-esque “Best of Everything” to the peppy brass-laden rock within “Island.” Attack of the Telephones is a surefire success from Larches.
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“Birthday” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of December 2023’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Rock.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
