Soft Science Lines

Release date:
September 22, 2023
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Northern California-based quintet Soft Science is deeply invested [and] honest in their approach to find something new (The Chicagoist) while maintaining their pop sensibilities. Once described as having the potential to become one of the great Left Coast power pop bands (Popmatters), the band's sonic evolution has led to an exploration of the noisier side of dream pop with glimmers of dark wave on their fourth LP, Lines (Shelflife Records - US | Spinout Nuggets - UK | Fastcut Records - Japan). Soft Science began working on their recently completed album Lines in 2019, forging the record in their home studios together and at times in isolation from each other during the height of the pandemic, swapping tracks and making adjustments from a distance for what felt like an eternity. Reuniting in person to finalize the mix created a palpable excitement, an energy that can be felt throughout the record. Lines addresses living and loving within the complexities and challenges of everyday life in our fast-paced digital world. Formed in 2009 by longtime collaborators Katie Haley (Holiday Flyer, California Oranges) and brothers Ross and Matt Levine (Welt, The Tank, California Oranges), the group was later joined by partners Tony and Becky Cale (English Singles, Arts & Leisure), and Hans Munz. With alluring vocals, two 12-string guitars, bass, drums, and synthesizers, the ensemble layers copious melodies, celestial harmonies, and propulsive rhythms with lush electronic soundscapes to create a sound built to outlast trends (Chicago Tribune). It's not often you hear dream pop that's so devastatingly dynamic and driving (The Big Takeover).