by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Oakland’s Lunchbox have been releasing records since the mid 90’s but their upcoming album, After School Special, is their first for the legendary Slumberland Records (Peel Dream Magazine, Lake Ruth, Failed Flowers). The pairing is a match made in heaven, a dreamy home for a band making dreamy music. Due out October 30th, their sound is inspired by the jangly pop of 60’s and 70’s and a time when TV theme songs where a real work of art. It’s not the most common of influences, but you can hear it on the record’s lead single “Dream Parade.” I would watch the show that includes this in the credits, but then again, I will listen to the album that includes it within it’s track list.
“Dream Parade” is a short and sweet, but it’s a great introduction for anyone new to the band. It’s been six year since they released Lunchbox Loves You, an album that found the duo of Tim Brown and Donna McKean peeling back their sound to it’s bubblegum pop center, replacing any spaced out psych with a purer distillation of pop bliss. “Dream Parade” continues that path, resonating like a flood of sunshine upon a giant smiley face. Which is to say, it feels good at time when little else does. Built around a hook like-mantra, the band play it loose and catchy, with a jangly freedom and some added horns. The video, directed by Rachel Blumberg, captures the essence of the song with stop-motion animation, complete with flying cats, a friendly whale, and a balloon flight.