★★★★
The pacifying dream-pop sound that Melbourne trio Arbes brought to light off the back of their admirable first EPSwimmeris marginally adapted in their second release,Psalms.
Sounds of Warpaint or Alpine’s less electronic debut album spring to mind, but Arbes have captured something more melancholic.
Jess Zanoni’s delicate vocals lead us on a purposeful journey in ‘Sintra’, buoyed by a wistful guitar riff that takes a number of turns before paving way for an echoic synth outro. ‘Follow Towards’ opens with a similarly eerie synth, distantly mimicking the ebbing and flowing tide. It’s largely instrumental but a defining message is established; a readiness to move on from past adversities shines through what is a solemn beginning.
‘Sun On My Back’ instantly has you grooving through its bouncy bassline and drum beat. The track explores the difficulty of accepting that something is finished, which can, in turn, incite old emotions. The electric guitar is absent in ‘No Home To Know’, a refreshingly unhurried number embodying Arbes’ strikingly tranquil sound.
Arbes could be categorically considered a bedroom pop outfit, but Psalms is a celebration of a more easy listening, languid sound than their debut EP, which delved into shoegaze territory.
Arbes’Psalmsis out now and available via Sports Day.
