Now, 18 months later, the mysterious Bay Area band are back, revealing "Now & Then". Where it’s predecessor was a sun-kissed, hand-clapping wave of excitement, love and joy, the new cut is powerful, slow-burning statement of indie intent.
Its opening heart-pounding drum beat nods to the anthemic brilliance of Arcade Fire, before bare production allows the flawless voice of Sjowgren to paint the empowering coming of age picture: “Two kids growing up together / You didn’t know what I was up to” coos their as yet unnamed vocalist.
However, it is the track's chorus that will have the listener hooked: thundering drums and a driving bass provide the punchy accompaniment to its inspirational refrain which returns with increasing ferocity and the fist-clenching empowerment befitting of a tear-jerking film finale.
