Today, Brooklyn-based psych-pop trio Psychic Lines release their layered, expansive fifth studio album SUNSET ON SUNSET out everywhere now. Alongside the full project, the band shares a fun lyric video for "Lies I Tell Myself," a vulnerable moment of confronting difficult truths. The dynamic LP sees the band expand their sound with bright production, glittering guitar riffs and evocative lyricism. On September 8, the band will celebrate the new album with an official album release show at NYC's Berlin with support from Richard Papiercuts and Garrett Devoe with tickets on sale now here.
SUNSET ON SUNSET sounds unlike any previous Psychic Lines release. Bandleader Phil Jacob explains, "Lyrically, the album touches on all the delusions we cling to. They may give us hope and spur us on but set us up for disappointment when we inevitably discover that the real world doesn't quite measure up. Many of these delusions are shaped by our lifelong immersion in social media, film and television." The LP wrestles with escapism and the stories one tells themselves to make sense of an ever-changing, chaotic world. Jacob continues, "In order to bridge this reality gap, we further deceive ourselves and others, seeking escape in the same stories and mythologies that caused our faulty expectations in the first place." These self-deceptions and coping mechanisms form a backdrop for this darkly surrealistic, yet wryly humorous collection of tunes.
Jacob recalls trying to imitate Syd Barrett on guitar when the chords for focus track "Lies I Tell Myself" came out. Jacob reveals, "The lyrics came later, as a four-year relationship was falling apart and I realized I had been lying to myself the whole time that I wanted to be with this person. Staying in the relationship as long as I did remains a big regret in my life because I wasn’t being honest with my partner or myself." Bassist Dann Baker and drummer Tim Simmonds gave this tune a more "Phil Spector kind of feel."
The previously shared bouncy, bright "Mind Control" is inspired by Captain Beefheart, incorporating some of the rhythmic ideas found in The Magic Band’s music. Tastemaker Music N Gear warmly embraced the track on their Songs We Loved list and called it, "a bright and bouncy single complemented by a playful hand-drawn video, echoing the song's playful yet thoughtful essence...a wall of uplifting psych-pop goodness, gentle vocals, and warm saxophone lines, infusing the song with careless summery vibes and setting the stage for an exciting album ahead."
Earlier this month, the band shared the hopeful, swirling track "The Darkest Mountain"–a track that explores the roadblocks that tend to pop up to keep one away from a feeling of contentment in life, dedicated to the passing of legendary actor Gena Rowlands. Last month, the band shared the sunny track and video "LA in My Mind" – a dreamy tune that plays with the mythology of Los Angeles.
Basic tracks were recorded by Charles Burst in two sessions–one at the dearly departed Seaside Lounge Recording, and the other at Figure 8 Recording. Both sessions were tracked live with Phil Jacob on guitar, Dann Baker on bass, and Tim Simmonds on drums. Overdubs were recorded at Jacob's studio during the pandemic lockdown and Burst came back to mix the project in 2022. The album was mastered by Carl Saff and the artwork was done by Andrew Sax.
Psychic Lines began in 2008 with the release of their debut album, Cubicle Puppets. Currently, the band is made up of Phil Jacob on guitar and sax, Dann Baker (Love Camp 7, Eljin Marbles) on bass, and Nancy Polstein (Girls on Grass) on drums. In 2013, the band shared their sophomore effort Everything Keeps Getting Brighter, and followed it up 6 years later with Dance, Cartoon Skeleton. The Vinyl District raves about the band and release, writing, "A delectable blend of sparkling freak folk...Dance, Cartoon Skeleton is definitely an album that should be savored from beginning to end." Late Nite Psychic arrived in 2020, and 2022 saw the release of the live album Phil Plays Wonders of Nature 7/1/18. Now, in 2024, Psychic Lines are back to re-introduce themselves with a thoughtful, self-assured body of work that features layered, gripping instrumentation and timely lyricism. In addition to the band, Jacob is part of the instrumental quintet Vague Plot who released their debut album CRYING IN 9 in March.
The vibrant, immersive fifth studio album SUNSET ON SUNSET by Psychic Lines is out everywhere now. Plus, the group's latest earnest single "Lies I Tell Myself" is out now, along with a lyric video. Celebrate the new album with the band live at NYC's Berlin on September 8. Get tickets here. Connect with the psych-pop band now on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to keep up with the rising rockers.
