‘New York Choogle’ trio Heat Manager is the latest project of Jake Rabinbach (guitar), Jake Vest (bass) and Greg Faison (drums), known from bands such as High Time, the Echo Friendly and Tiger High. Their debut full-length Relaxed American is on heavy rotation at Add To Wantlist HQ these days, charming and clever as it is. Moving freely on the playing field between the corner flags of pop, rock, folk and country, they created nine original songs—all hitting the mark—full of laid-back melodies and pop cultural references.

Opening track Palm Springs—almost 7 minutes long; the record closes with a shorter single version—stands out: “Sick and alone backstage at Coachella // Tried to hangout with Best Coast and Cults // Oh well I’ll just look at my phone while I wait for Kanye to play.” It is an appealing reflection by Jake Rabinbach on playing Coachella with Francis and the Lights in 2011, broke and broken. “I saw Neko Case looking for an exit carrying her heels // I was looking for a way out too // I remember thinking ‘I know just how Neko feels’ // And wishing to god that I was back in New York with you.”

It sets the tone for the relatable memories that follow, captured in an effectively orchestrated loose sound with enthralling vocals, stories that I can vividly imagine as the spring sun disappears behind the horizon.

Relaxed American, recorded by Jake Vest, is out now digitally through American Grapefruit. Also featuring Shannon Esper (vocals), Toby Vest (organ) and Miles Robinson (keyboard, acoustic guitar, vocals).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp