Founded by Dandy Boy Records boss Bobby Martinez and Adam Widener, The 1981 made quite the entrance with their 2023 debut Move On (read our review here). Their follow-up is a two-song single, and it happens to contain my favorite 1981 track yet. Soft Goodbye is a power pop gem that hooks you from the first guitar line and nails that sweet spot between “yeah, we’re rockin’ out” and “damn, this is catchy.”

On the flip, Count On Me shows a different side of the band, pulling from a wider pool of influences. It’s got the feel of Elvis Costello messing around with a garage-rock keyboard lick, and it works surprisingly well. I like it! The 7” is available now via Dandy Boy Records.

In addition to Martinez and Widener, The 1981 features Colin McDonald, Alex Halatsis, and Paul Igaz. The single was recorded by Jack Erin Brown (Friendless Summer, ex-Healing Potpourri) and Rob Good (The Goods, Ryli), with artwork by David Christian (Comet Gain).

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