Southpacific
Constance
Turnbuckle
Nothing could be more glorious than a full submersion into Southpacific's surround-sound maelstrom of samples, guitar haze and electronica beats. A study in anticipation, Constance is a standout of this genre. After the album's many reverb-happy instrumentals, it feels like the lush layering of dream-pop couldn't get any more gorgeous, but then guitarist Joachim Toelke, bassist Phil Stewart-Bowes and drummer Graeme Fleming surprise you with "Built to Last," the only track with vocals. Waiting for the next note or harmonic shift becomes such an exquisite pleasure. Although Southpacific has disbanded, fans are already looking forward to Summerside, Toelke's newest endeavor. -- Sande Chen
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