Texan musician FGA did what so few would dream to by pouring pure sun-bleached nostalgia into the woozy cocktail that’s Island Time, a single that proves alt-rock anthems can include a riotous splash of lo-fi pop punk and an undercurrent of Britpop swagger. With a observe that permits you to drift on the unique ebb and circulation of the ocean, whereas nonetheless feeling the adrenaline ripple by the layers of distortion, FGA ensures you by no means get too comfy on the lilo—there’s all the time a snarl able to jolt you out of your daydream.
From the opening riff, it’s clear that Freddie Gibbs’ creative compass is guided by the classics (Led Zeppelin, the Ramones, Nirvana) however he’s by no means content material to play muso museum curator. FGA took the DIY ethos of Austin’s underground home social gathering scene and poured it into his own residence studio, fusing collectively hovering melodies, stoner rock sensibilities, and grunge angst. Dan Konopka of OK Go lends his rhythms to the chaos, creating the type of groove that can soundtrack each self-respecting summer time.
If Pavement ever penned a vacation soundtrack, it could sound like Island Time; and that’s in all probability the most effective endorsement we may give to FGA’ as he proves he’s swimming in all the appropriate swimming pools of affect, however all the time provides his personal tidal power.
Island Time is now obtainable on all main streaming platforms, together with Spotify.
Assessment by Amelia Vandergast