San Cisco releases new album

Coming out of Western Australia, San Cisco are an indie pop trio that’s become an international sensation since forming in 2009. Featuring the talents of frontman Jordi Davieson on vocals, guitar and keys, Josh Biondillo on guitar, backing vocals and synths and drummer-singer Scarlett Stevens, this exciting outfit has been on a thrilling musical adventure that’s seen them constantly impress with each release.

Recording their first music the next year, they unveiled the full scope of their sound in 2012 with their debut eponymous record. Citing artists like MGMT, The Flaming Lips and Vampire Weekend as inspirations, they were quick to catch the attention of listeners and tastemakers around the world while racking up millions of streams of their music across multiple hit singles, EPs and albums. Dazzling crowds from the stage, they’ve toured all over the world and played slots at prestigious festivals, becoming one of Australia’s most successful music exports.

Now they bring us their latest release with their brand new full-length record, their fifth LP titled Under The Light. Capturing the perfect snapshot of their latest chapter with the eleven-track release, the band linked up with producer and co-writer James Ireland to bring the album to life.

Kicked off with the bright guitar plucks, soft synth textures and shuffling drums on “Lost Without You,” pulsing bass lines underpin Jordi Davieson’s smooth vocal leads as he spins laid back melodies carrying heartfelt lyricism. Building with vibrant synth tones and intricate guitar twangs, the song builds to a catchy chorus of upbeat, pop-focused indie rock music that perfectly balances a dreamy aesthetic with the band’s instantly memorable songwriting.

With “High,” the band casts a bouncing rhythm with snapping drums and grooving bass lines as lush backing vocals wrap around airy leads. With a shimmering vibe of glistening guitar and key tones and packed full of danceable energy, the song reaches a stripped-back piano-led breakdown that swells to a final chorus of overlapping vocals and vibrant instrumentation, resulting in an intoxicating sound that’s impossible not to love.

Title track “Under The Light” was co-written with Jay Watson who’s previously worked with fellow Australian act Tame Impala. With their trademark blend of lively rhythm and hook-filled melodic writing, the song cuts together strummed acoustic and softly quivering lead guitars, lofty synth touches and lightly punchy drums as Jordi and Scarlett take turn at the mic to serve up an energetic indie pop anthem. Commenting on the context behind writing the track, Scarlett shares, “We thought about a club where at the end of the night the lights come up and the truth is revealed. It became a metaphor for having a spotlight on us as people, and discovering hard truths about growing up. I thought by this age I’d probably have everything sorted, but really it’s just as much of a shit-fight as it’s ever been. Actually, more so!”

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Summer Days” where San Cisco links up with Pond’s Nicholas Allbrook to deliver a stadium-worthy anthem that bends from the gentle rhythmic patters and dreamy vocals of the verse to the epic atmosphere of the chorus. Rolling drums and colourful synth flutters collide as Jordi’s soaring vocals take flight to weave stretched melodies lifted by stunning harmonies.

“Horoscope” lays down a jaunty arrangement and lilting groove that sees the band distil a classic power pop sound through their lens flared sonic vision. Mellow percussion and a contrast between the retro pop rock aesthetic of the guitars and buzz of the synths forms a truly charming sound capped by alluring vocal performance.

The record closes with “Into My Heart,” a compelling indie pop outing with an art rock twist. The steady pulse of bass and taps of drums, hazy guitar arrangement and silky vocals all combines to offer a delightful and satisfying conclusion to this talented band’s spectacular new album.

Listen to Under The Light below