There's nothing more exciting then when you're anticipating a band's new album, and they complete surprise you with a new and evolved sound. Los Angeles' Froth do just that with their new album Outside (briefly), which dials back the noise an psych-pop found on their previous LPs to reveal delicately melodies, intricate instrumentals, and some of their most experimental song-writing to date.
In a lot of ways Outside (briefly) sounds like Froth has truly found its voice, revealing new dynamics of their already shoegaze and pop sensibilities. There's a tuneful drone that drives tracks like "Contact" and Passing Thing". Previously they operated mainly as a guitar-driven band, but we now find their songs augmented by highlights of cello and synths (courtesy of Dolas), as well as drum machines, Rhodes, and other keys. Lyrically, Ashworth found the works of authors Richard Brautigan (the album title comes from a chapter in one of his books) and Haruki Murakami as a fitting inspiration for the dark beauty of Outside (briefly)’s music.
Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, Froth first garnered attention with their debut LP, Patterns. Originally intended as a small-run cassette release, the album quickly became an underground sensation in the Southern California music scene, catapulting the band to local fame and prompting a vinyl re-release in 2014. The following year saw the arrival of Bleak, a more dynamic, adventurous effort that matched lush shoegaze soundscapes with driving krautrock beats.
Outside (briefly) is out now.