Strawberry Launch - “Light Blue Sheets”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Pillow Queens, Alvvays, Illuminati Hotties

Strawberry Launch hang in breezy rock spaces, mid-tempo pop songs highlighting their debut EP and a trio of singles since. Melodically, though, there are math-rock influences in the intricate guitar lines that form their verse and chorus riffs. It creates jagged movement, a quality that plays nicely against the soft guitar chords and percussion pushing their songs along. That said, Strawberry Launch’s music is ultimately smooth, going down easy even when things get a little crunchy every few tracks. The NYC rock band have an ear for pop hooks as well, especially when they go for a bigger, punk-pop type chorus. Strawberry Launch showcases Saturday night at Valhalla for Trash Casual & Our Wicked Lady. (Kevin McStravick)