Album by Yumi Zouma

This sits in a really nice space between jangly indie rock, shoegaze, and dreamy pop. The guitars have that bright, melodic sparkle — very Johnny Marr in places — while everything around them drifts into something softer and more hazy. They blend these sounds and textures in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

What I liked most is how layered it is without ever feeling crowded. There’s a lot going on, but everything has room to breathe, which keeps the songs feeling full without getting muddy and losing clarity. You can hear the sharp songwriting underneath everything.

The vocals add to that balance. There’s a sweetness there, but also something a little distant that keeps it from feeling too light. At times it drifts into a Cocteau Twins kind of space — washed-out, atmospheric, and really easy to get lost in. Really helps set a mood.

There’s a loose thread running through the album about relationships that are hard to walk away from. “Bashville on the Sugar” really nails that — catchy and upbeat, but with that underlying pull of something not quite right. Plus, it’s incredibly infectious.

“Drag” builds nicely, starting more restrained before opening up into something bigger and more emotional. Darkness turns into lush choruses.

“Blister” is probably the most immediate track here, with a melody that sticks right away. Sounds like it should be a hit. “Phoebe’s Song” leans into that 90s indie feel, and “Chicago 2AM” slows things down into something softer and a little more fragile. That one stood out — really pretty, but with a bit of a sting to it.

Front to back, this album balances atmosphere and melody really well. It’s lush, thoughtful, and emotionally tangled in a way that makes it easy to sink into.

Verdict: Great