We proudly share another album premiere with you, one that exudes character, inspiration, and magnetic charm, a captivating fusion of pop and rock sensibilities. LEWIS is the emerging Los Angeles-based dream-rock band around Christopher Lewis (vocals, guitar), on sophomore LP Growing Pains collaborating with Paul Fig (guitar), Conner West (bass), Nathan Van Hala (keys) and Sam West (drums). Christopher explains that he had no shortage of inspiration: “During the writing of the album, songs kept coming and coming. Paul finally had to say ‘hey, we have enough, save some for later.'” Of the almost ninety(!) songs demoed, these twelve choice cuts rightly made it to the record.
Thirty years ago they would all have been ‘permanent wave’ hits (Based on a New Story and The Outside stand out as prime examples), but actually these hazy vocals, howling guitars, melancholic melodies and clear production are as timeless as contemporary. Musically, they find a sweet spot somewhere between Beatlesque pop and Bob Mould-like rock influences. Lyrically, humor goes hand in hand with vulnerability. “The new album threads a needle between error and success,” Christopher admits. “While the lyrics of Growing Pains were penned with sincerity, they aren’t intended to be taken overly seriously,” he adds. “Some carry a tongue-in-cheek tone, touching on moments of being in trouble (again), and needing a call to my mom; others pay homage to pleasantries. One track narrates an encounter with my hearing-impaired neighbor, who I met at a communal pool BBQ, pleading with the world to show her some love. Another captures the essence of the first day of Summer, coinciding with my daughter’s birthday.” This makes Growing Pains a collection of songs that feel both familiar and refreshing, which gives confidence that LEWIS’ journey has only just begun.
Growing Pains is out this Friday, digitally, on CD and vinyl LP (self-released). Produced, engineered and mixed by Paul Fig. Also featuring Corey Britz and Vince Jones.
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