Caleb Nichols put himself on the map with Ramon, a critically acclaimed queer Beatles rock opera. Now, he’s tackling something of a more radical proposition — just 11 great songs, full stop. Nichols is out with his new album, Let’s Look Back — his second full-length album on the hallowed indie label Kill Rock Stars. “It’s about the idea that you have to look back and confront stuff before you can move forward,” Nichols says. “It’s about vindication, and reintegration, and trusting yourself.” Produced by Zach Rogue, Let’s Look Back’s highlights are everywhere — from the unstoppable power-pop rocket that is “Demon Twink” to the luminous pop of “J’ai Vu La Lune!” to the bold and brassy “Wicked.” “I’m not the good witch/ I’m the bad one!” goes Nichols’ infectiously catchy refrain. But Let’s Look Back is most definitely a good one — one that will send fans of early 2000s indie rock, from the Shins to the Decemberists to Belle and Sebastian, to heaven.
