French Cassettes embrace indie pop wholeheartedly and take it as their own, imbuing it with their own power and style. It’s evident that their music is rooted in classic pop, but there’s something unique present. Interchanging melodies keep listeners on their toes, and intricate harmonies add vibrant layers that offer the satisfying experience of uncovering each song’s mysteries.
Par the course, “Santa Cruz Tomorrow” follows this pattern of switching up the melody and containing unique, complex harmonies. It begins with a classic drumbeat and some accompanying guitars, then the guitars switch things up while the drums continue their beat, and then both the drums and guitars take a turn for a second, then another switch…you get the idea. You almost don’t expect what’s to come next, and how fun is that? It’s nothing too much to handle; you can still have a good dance to it, all the while appreciating the switching-up. It’s like at every moment there’s an unexpected hook that grabs on and pulls you in. And you’re more than willing to come along.
The vocals are just as creative, unique, and complex as the melodies. According to the band’s Spotify About page, their music is “harmony-driven,” and you can tell how much effort and skill they put into their harmonies. They really want you to feel the music; they want to make it three-dimensional, have you sense the work and passion they put into it. In “Santa Cruz Tomorrow,” specifically, there’s some wonderful high and low notes intertwined, especially towards the beginning. Also, let’s not ignore the impressive low to high note jumps the main singer accomplishes in the beginning. That’s no easy feat. Besides that, the voices aren’t just harmonizing with each other, but with the instruments as well. The subtle “ooh ooh” throughout the song follows along with the guitars, providing an enticing layer on top of the intermingled melodies.
French Cassettes also describe their music as “hook-filled,” and they’re spot on. Their music is defined by the subtle but noticeable moments when the song switches things up, throws you for a loop, making you stop and wonder, “what just happened?” You get the thrilling experience of almost hearing several different songs in just one, and that’s the beauty of their talent.
Now, the lyrics of “Santa Cruz Tomorrow” are simple, with the most prominent line being, “I think you need some sleep.” Considering frontman Scott Huerta consistently stayed up until four a.m. writing demos, perhaps they’re words written to oneself? I wouldn’t rule it out.
French Cassettes bring just the right kind of music for just the right kind of occasion. And that can be anything! A dance party, a long drive, an intensive five-hour study session, a hangout with friends…you get the idea.
