birthdayboy - “The Tape”

San Diego’s own birthdayboy is an indie pop act conjuring synths, guitars, and beats with a hypnotically minimal touch. Confessional lyrics, buoyant melodies, and striking percussion come through in searing, skeletal fashion, with tracks like “Black Water” and “Salting Slugs” being particular favorites of ours. Their unique blend of sounds makes them really stand out in San Diego’s guitar-heavy DIY scene.

The group dropped their latest single, “The Tape,” this past Friday, and it’s a stunning, stripped-down ballad built around pensive solo riffs that waft behind soothing vocals as snowballing synth tones and pulsating drums progressively rise to the surface. Lyrics full of longing consume the track: “together is all I know,” a poignant message of yearning amidst the chaos.

We’ll be sure to continue keeping tabs on this buzzy local band. In the meantime, give “The Tape” a spin below: