Painted Palms
Horizons
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
Painted Palms is a band that has a vibe ranging from ’60s pop to ’80s new wave, but nonetheless they know how to do it well. Horizons, is all about the pulsating dance beats. The sophomore record is 40-minutes dedicated to just the beats.
From the beginning to the end, it sounds like a remix album, which makes you wonder if there is an ‘original’ track with an electric or acoustic guitar, or just synthesizers. It’s like you’re taken back to the dance floor with the pulsating beats and flashing neon lights. Even the song titles are set up to reflect the dance nature of the record: “Refractor”, “Gemini”, “Echoes”, and “Tracer.”
The psych-pop duo opens the record with the tune “Refractor” which immediately brings past decades to mind with the synthesizer. The duo sings: And when I’m with you / I know we feel the same / Don’t have to tell you / You see it in my face / And when I’m with you / There’s nothin’ in the way / Don’t have to tell you / You know that it’s true.
“Disintegrate” is an amazing four and half minutes of synth pop perfection. ‘Cause you never even tried to see me. The track has the right amount of head-bobbing vibe and doesn’t overdo it; it engages listeners, but not to the point where it is annoying or overwhelming.
Overall, this record has such a fun vibe to it. It’s definitely for those who enjoy synth pop, new wave, and/or indie pop. Horizons is not a record to fall asleep to, but perhaps for late night hang out dance party with friends.
Rating: Bad-Ass
