That first song on the new Pale Lights album (or, at eight songs, mini-album) feels instantly familiar—it’s a rerecorded version of You & I, one of the band’s finest tracks. Its inclusion almost seems unnecessary, as if we need a reminder of what makes Pale Lights so special. But still, what a class track!

Of the remaining seven songs, five are brand new, and they reinforce that Pale Lights remain masters of indie guitar pop and jangle. With whispers that this may be the band’s final album (with other projects like Love, Burns fighting for priority), the whole thing carries a bittersweet air—but then again, a touch of melancholy has always lingered in Phil Sutton & co.’s melodies.

If this truly is the last we hear from Pale Lights, they’re going out on a high, especially with songs like Girl on a Bridge, Paper Wagons, and the stunning Changing the World.

Pale Lights is out now on LP at Jigsaw Records.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp