This review was initially published on a now-defunct review site, hence the odd formatting. Artist Name: Fruit Bats Album Name: Gold Past Life Standout Song: Mandy from Mohawk (Wherever You May Be) Deep Cut: Dream Would Breathe Five free-association words: summery, shimmering, nostalgic, enchanting, brilliant Feeling of album in one word: timeless What atmosphere suits this album best?: daytime drive to the beach, walking through the park pondering The ephemeral opening notes of the first single and track, “The Bottom of It,” promise Eric D. Johnson will continue delivering clever witticisms that are sardonic and wistful in his trademark cheery…

The Long Game by Johnathan Rice I’m pleasantly surprised as I listen to the eponymous first track of “The Long Game,” Rice’s first album in six years. Those albums remain in my memory remnants of my indie pop teenagehood and as such, I hadn’t given them much airtime since then. On this record, Rice’s voice sounds better than ever – it’s sensual, strong, and at times reminiscent of other aughts-era indie folk darlings at times, but certainly unique. Courtney Marie Andrews’s vocals on the intro track as well as “Millions of Miles” add depth and dimension and the acoustic guitar…