Growing, budding, blossoming, sprouting and
flowering. These words describe the feeling Michigan duo Houseplants, Victoria and
Matt—for an added bit of mystery, no last names given—aim to achieve on their self-titled
debut EP, out digitally and on cassette. With a mint green cover masking the
image of an arboretum and sprawls of reverb and wisps of melody outstretched
like vines, the band succeed entirely.
While this writer had never previously considered
the connection between botany and dream pop, the pairing does certainly make
sense. From Lilys’ 1992 song
about black orchids to The Death of Pop’s more recent stunner “Gardens”, there’s always
been something mystical and alluring about the endless passage of time that flora
can represent in connection to billowing guitar effects atop twisting and
contemplative song structures.
The first track, “Bloom in View”, opens with a clean
guitar riff that gives way to a cloudy burst of textures and Victoria’s
pleading vocals. The taught drumming and steady basslines lend the song a
danceable indie pop feeling that cuts through the haze nicely and sets the tone
for the EP.
Lead single “Honey Garden” more fully introduces
Matt’s singing, which evokes the same yearning and plaintive sensuality as Kip
Berman’s best moments. The guitars, at times resembling the synthetic,
keyboard-like tones of Russia’s Pinkshinyultrablast, pirouette about the
arrangements with a measured pastel grace.
“New Daze” picks up the tempo and also further highlights
one one of the choices that makes Houseplants such a special release. A predictable
and proven tactic for a duo would be to use a drum machine, which could distract
from the soul of the songs. Instead, thankfully, live analog drums bring a
refreshing subtlety and technicality to the band that breathes as much depth
into the production as any reverb pedal.
“Hikari” employs a more ambient approach to a
wandering and enraptured ballad that sets itself apart from the rest of the
set, widening the range of the EP as a whole. The feeling of isolation present
in the song recalls eighties new wave classics; it’s easy to imagine a bit of
the track being plucked by a clever filmmaker for use in an establishing shot.
Closer “Midnight Run” harkens back to the earlier
tracks by bringing the set to resolution with the snappy hi-hat and snare work
that runs through most of the EP.
Houseplants works as an excellent introduction to
the band and establishes the hallmarks of their style and mood with a great set
of songs that are awesomely produced. Most importantly, this release manages to
nail the truest pleasure of listening to a debut: fans get to sit back and
enjoy the real excitement—watching something grow.
Buy the EP through Bandcamp or directly
from Yellow K Records.
Edward Charlton provides guitar and vocals for
WTSH-beloved Portland trio Lubec and
wrote regularly for Jay Breitling’s late, great Clicky Clicky Music Blog (which still,
thankfully, has an active
Facebook presence). This review is Edward’s first appearance on When the
Sun Hits.
