by Niccolo Dante Porcello (@chromechompsky)
“Hangover,” a new song and live video from Adir L.C., showcases a refined pop sensibility that expands on, but is congruous with his prior work. 2015’s Oceanside Cities was a shimmery pop record that excelled as both a personal log and an expansive full-band effort. “Hangover” picks up where songs like “Goldmund” (from Oceanside) left off, with Adir toeing the line between guitar pop and ballad-esque rock in a pleasant, engaging manner. “Hangover” jangles and turns around Adir’s lyrics, swelling and abating as he confronts a central tenet of many people’s late adolescence” “will I get over this hangover/ no I never will.” The hangover in question is perhaps not singularly attributed to substances here: “it’s running me over/ since you never came over/ and never will,” but nonetheless the sentiment seems broadly and wildly applicable.
The video is a pleasant, albeit straightforward, accompaniment as it shows Adir and his band playing “Hangover” in a studio in Tel Aviv’s Florintin District. There is not a ton to look at, but the engaging presence of the song being played makes up for any moments of glazing over that may occur. Plus, it’s always fun to see how bands play their songs, ranging from the overly kinetic to the confusingly staid. Adir and crew sit squarely in the middle.
New York City people can catch Adir L.C. playing “Hangover” and other tunes at Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) September 3rd, and west-coasters will be treated to a solo tour later this fall.