Far Caspian - “July”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Lord Huron, Bon Iver, Gregory Alan Isakov

Performing indie rock with a sense of delicacy and levity, Far Caspian lightly grooves and wafts across his 2019 EP The Heights and recent follow-up single “July”. Breezy new wave melodies make up much of Far Caspian’s music, but it’s softened with an echoing touch, turning pop hooks to something more natural and less intrusive than its influences. A song like “Conversations” is catchy but still feels like it’s caught in a dream. “Astoria” acts in a similar way - turn up the pace and it would be all hooks and handclaps, but instead Far Caspian turn the track into a distanced reflection on whispered air. That said, these melodies are deceptively memorable and will have you inevitably humming along without warning. (Kevin McStravick)