Blondes - “Out the Neighbourhood”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 7

Pairs Well With…Broken Social Scene, Death Cab for Cutie, My Morning Jacket

Blondes is an excellent early pick for “SXSW Breakout” band, an emerging group from Liverpool whose debut EP is a pitch perfect slice of indie pop/rock. Part dreamy, part driving, part bright, part breezy - songs like the buzzy “Coming of Age” and jangle-pop number “Out the Neighbourhood” sound like classics right on first listen. It helps that Blondes are an incredibly tight unit - at any point one can focus on the drums, bass, guitars, keys, or vocals and every element is providing melody contributing to the greater whole. There’s youthful hope and wonder in Blondes’ music, an authentic and forthright sound bursting with hope and passion. Even quieter moments like closer “Lavender” have so many subtly dynamic moments, personal but delivered with sing-a-long relatability. Even as a new band, it’s easy to envision Blondes crushing sets on festival stages with such an appealing and immediate sound - perhaps SXSW will be the last opportunity to catch them on small stages for a band bursting with potential from note one. (Kevin McStravick)