Seattle’s Scarves return with Strays Forever, tagged ‘dream punk’, ‘indie rock’, ‘little-brother-core’, and ‘fuzz pop’ on Bandcamp, which piqued my curiosity. Somehow you hear it all in a fascinating sound that feels grand yet cozy, glitchy yet unvarnished. Vintage tape machines add a little wobble, while strings and flute give the arrangements a cinematic lift. These ten songs wander freely through a colorful world, never losing their wonky charm.

Niko Stathakopoulos’ intimate lyrics are about two people trying to hold on to each other while facing grief, trauma, anxiety, and an uncertain future, finding comfort in shared memories and stubborn optimism: “(Hey!) Let some light in today // (Hey!) I know it feels so dark // (Hey!) Like there’s a hole in your heart // (Hey!) But I promise that goes away.” How do you protect the people you love without losing yourself?

Strays Forever doesn’t have all the answers, but it carries a lantern full of sonic warmth into the fog.

Strays Forever—produced by Chris Walla—is out digitally and on vinyl LP through Tender Loving Empire Records. Featuring Niko Stathakopoulos (vocals, guitar), Nessa Grasing (vocals, guitar), Elijah Sokolow (guitar), Jesse Cohen (bass), and Jacob Whinihan (drums).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Tender Loving Empire