Neu Let’s Go Sailing

It’s a she actually, from the sunnier skies of Los Angeles, Let’s Go Sailing consists of one Shana Levy and a host of musician friends who play on and off at gigs, and also lent a musical hand during the recording of debut album ‘The Chaos In Order’ (which should be getting a UK release this year). Although the line-up is on the change, the music is consistently brilliant. The next album is already on the way with a majority of the tracks written. Recording should start sometime soon.

What do they sound like?
There must be a law in the US that if you are a band from California, you must write at least one brilliant sun-drenched indie pop songs and Let’s Go Sailing aren’t the kind of band to mess with the American legal system. Their sound ranges from the aforementioned style in tracks like ‘Better Off’ to occasionally darker, more abandoned-sounding tunes with ‘Heart Condition’ and ‘Sideways’ being two very good examples. A mix of beautiful styles for sure, string sections appear predominantly in many tracks and add a lovely layer of sound when present. Hazy vocals from Shana Levy are at times vulnerable and in others sung with a shy smile on her face.

Why are they so great?
Lets Go Sailing have a shy, tentative sound that in places feels dreamy and colourful and in other feels more remote.

What should I be checking out?
‘Heart Condition’ - A sober affair this one, dealing with the abruptness of life and the importance of doing something positive with it. The soft, vulnerable sound is very impressive and the rattling drums, sweeping low strings and flickering guitars all supporting some of Shana’s best vocals. A special nod should also go to the track’s lyrics, especially during the verses.

‘Better Off’ - This is a more upbeat track and is certainly the pick of the Let’s Go Sailing bunch. The track has a complex, multi instrumental sound. It is tender and sweet, somewhat reminiscent of early Brendan Benson during the verse and again the vocals are top notch, especially through the chorus. The track’s lyrics are again great, the band seem to excel in writing about the trials of life (‘your head looks disproportionate from pushing too hard to believe’).