Young Scum’s 2018 self-titled debut album was a hidden gem for indie pop enthusiasts. Now, six years later, the Richmond quartet is back with Lighter Blue, and it feels like a significant step forward while maintaining everything that made their debut such a treat.

If you’re someone who thrives on chiming 12-string guitars, sugar-coated melodies, and that lo-fi indie pop sensibility, Lighter Blue will feel like a warm embrace. There’s an ease in these songs, a confidence in the band’s ability to stick to what they know best, while still sounding fresh. You can hear how the six-year gap between albums allowed Young Scum (Chris, Ali, Ben, Nate) to sharpen their craft without losing any of their initial charm. It is all there, perfectly captured in the studio by Mitch Clem.

If you are having Chime School in heavy rotation, you can easily slide Lighter Blue into the mix as well. The golden age of jangle pop is very much alive still!

Lighter Blue is available now on LP at Pretty Olivia Records (who also brought you that recommended Star Trip LP recently). It’s shipping in the U.S. through Jigsaw Records.

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