I swear…shoegaze has been saving me these past few weeks. Time to add another name to the list of shoegaze/lofi favs, and that name is Central Pacific State Beach.
Central Pacific State Beach is piloted by sole member, Rey Montano, a 16-year-old Fresno native. From a first listen, to say I was shocked that Rey is only 16 would be an understatement. The amount of music knowledge, practice time, experimentation, and honing of CPSB’s sound makes me think Rey might be immortal or maybe has a hidden time machine…it’s THAT good.
CPSB just released a pair of singles a couple of weeks ago, and I have to say these are some of my favorite vocals that I’ve heard and reviewed recently. The first of the two, wouldn’t be the first time, exudes this tone and vocal technique that just OOZES nostalgia. It’s paired with an introspective guitar intro, which makes it feel like you’re walking down the street you grew up on with your favorite song blasting through your headphones.
It does pick up fairly quickly and the electric guitar goes from introspective to beautifully shredding while the precision of the drums keeps you stable and grounded.
As we make our way to the second track, you make me wish i was perfect, we’re met with what sounds like a storm brewing in the background, the perfect atmosphere for this song. Those same lovely vocals from the first track echo relentlessly and soothe any mental aches from the day. Unlike the first track, this one feels like best listened to in bed, staring at the ceiling as you surrender to the abyss that swallows you up.
Shoegaze always puts me in a certain type of mood that’s hard to explain in words. Not sleepy, but almost…drifty, yet present? Central Pacific State Beach must know it because these songs really take control and commit to harnessing that feeling in a way that keeps you in their grip for the entire listening experience. Truly spectacular music.
I’d love to hear more from CPSB very soon and I really recommend you give these two singles a listen!
Written by Newt Fangs
