One Track Mind

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Seattle’s Grand Archives are gearing up to release their second record, Keep in Mind Frankenstein, on Sub Pop on September 8th. The group (featuring former members of Carissa’s Wierd, Band of Horses, and Joggers) is looking to capitalize on the success of last year’s The Grand Archives, which introduced their sun-washed indie-pop to the world.

With its mellow guitar strums and perfect vocal harmonies, “Silver Among the Gold” instantly evokes recent giants of the sound; Teenage Fanclub, The Cosmic Rough Riders, and The Thrills come to mind in all their summery grandeur. This track sails along as though on ball bearings, frictionless yet with a quiet momentum. Pared back instrumentation allows the singing to hold center court, and this restraint provides lovely rewards in the form of escalating electric guitar parts and the layered crescendo of vocals. At just under four minutes in length, “Silver Among the Gold” is impeccably structured. It quenches while leaving the listener yearning for another sip.

Maybe the mercury rising has gone to our head, but on “Silver Among the Gold,” Grand Archives have created an elegant, satisfying piece of pop ideally suited for the summer. Throw it on repeat and enjoy.