Riding a green crest of lush, summertime synth pop, Vancouver indie quartet
Young Liars
deliver their mild-mannered debut LP
Tidal Wave
. Following their 2012 EP
Homesick Future
, it seemed like the band might be headed for an amped-up extension of their quirky, burbling dance pop when they finally delivered a full-length, but instead they've softened their approach, offering up a 12-song set of contemplative chillwave and warm indie pop. Singer and guitarist
Jordan Raine
delivers thoughtful fare like "An Odyssey Love" and "Young Again" in an earnest tenor that recalls
Postal Service
-era
Ben Gibbard
over spatial synth parts and complex, clever drum patterns. His guitar parts are tastefully written, often arriving in delayed loops or clever arpeggios that help to propel the album's occasionally languid pace. The band's affection for sun-warmed synth tones suits them well, and even instrumental interludes like the comforting "Challenging Aquilon" feel like more than a mere ambient exercise. Perfect for daydreaming and routeless driving,
is an album without edges that relies more on overall tone and feeling to express its themes of wanderlust, nature, and romantic reflection. The songs are solid enough, and standout cuts like "Supertramp" (which recalls
Raine
's travels through Europe) and "Night Window" show a capable and attentive writer, but for the most part,
's charm lies in its ability to evoke the deep shades of summer through its rich, sonic patina. Fans of
Washed Out
's mellow glow and the sunny synth pop of acts like
St. Lucia
will find this debut much to their liking. ~ Timothy Monger