Froth: Outside (briefly)

In a music landscape going through a psychedelic rock resurgence (and, perhaps, over-saturation), bands need to establish themselves as unique to really stand out. Froth‘s newest release, their first on the Wichita Recordings label, introduces a sincerity to psychedelia that makes their entry unique to the scene. The band manages to combine shoegaze elements with psychedelic and krautrock, but refrain from sounding too much like their predecessors. Sure, shades of Brian Jonestown Massacre, Dinosaur Jr., My Bloody Valentine and even contemporaries (and current tour mates) Temples are undeniable. But Froth do just enough to separate themselves from the psychedelic rock masses.

Opener “Contact” coincidentally enough hearkens back to driving synth pioneers Silver Apples whose second album of the same name was one of the first to employ experimental synths that could still make you dance. In this case, Froth use the synth as a base for their psychedelic pop wanderings on this killer start to the album. The next handful of songs are lighter affairs that are pure pop tunes that feel very effortless (in the good way), with a dash of shoegaze. While shoegaze can be defined by its somewhat meandering songs and break from traditional song expectations, Froth fits that sensibility into proper pop song form with discernible lyrics that results in a really pleasant package that is not overwhelming whatsoever.

Psychedelic rock can oftentimes take itself too seriously, so it’s refreshing to hear a new band like Froth jamming to their heart’s desire, especially on “Passing Desire”, which transforms itself from an exciting shoegaze homage into a seemingly endless krautrock jam. Then not long after, “Sensitive Girl” sneaks in like a fuzzed-out take on classic Beatles pop tunes, initially surprising but ultimately fitting in well with the grand scope of the album. Another great highlight is “Show A Flower A Candle And It Will Grow”, which slowly pieces together the necessary parts of the track, beginning with innocent ringing guitar notes and slowly weaving in a kind bass line and beautiful complementary guitar and vocal melodies.

What separates Froth from their peers is the sincerity in their music. The music itself does attempt to launch the listener into a different dimension, but it also softly guides you back down to earth. The band doesn’t try to overwhelm you with synths or shredding guitars and instead lulls you into a groove that you don’t want to escape. The lyrics, inspired by offbeat authors Richard Brautigan and Haruki Murakami, may fall to the wayside, but only as a result of some seriously beautiful tunes.

The band is currently in the midst of the Desert Daze Tour, a title which seems fitting for this debut by the young Los Angeles-based band. Though Froth has been around for a few years now, this first label release is a great official introduction to the rock community.