Admiral Radley - "I Heart California"

After years of friendship and touring together, Jason Lytle and Aaron Burtch of Grandaddy along with Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray of Earlimart have created Admiral Radley. Their self-released debut album, I Heart Califonia, is out now and is exactly what you would expect; ethereal, melodic indie rock featuring vintage keyboards and quirky lyrics, with traits from both of the parent bands.

The album opens with the bouncy, piano-led title track, “I Heart Califonia”, sung by Jason and leans more toward Grandaddy’s sound with airy vocals and lyrics that pay homage to his home state. Standout track “Ghosts of Syllables” is midtempo with spacey background vocals, a catchy keyboard melody and Aaron Espinoza’s Elliot Smith-like vocal timbre. “Lonesome Co.” is a laid back folksy tune with excellent vocal harmonies that seem to blend seamlessly. “Sunburn Kids” is a danceable anthem with buzzing synths and quirky lyrics that name-drops states and cities other than California. Ariana takes the lead on vocals for the jaunty honky-tonk piano and banjo-led “The Thread”. “Ending of Me” sounds like Aaron E. leading Grandaddy with chugging guitars and handclaps. “G N D N” sounds like it is being beamed straight from California on an AM radio circa 1970 with shimmering keyboards and soaring vocal melodies. And both of the bands were known for their beautiful balladry and they combine their forces to create some moving, lush ballads here including, the waltzing album closer “I Left U Cuz I Luft U” which comes full circle as a love letter to California regarding Jason’s move to Montana after Grandaddy.

With an album this good, I hope more bands will take a cue from Admiral Radley and combine forces to create a musical masterpiece such as I Heart California. Just imagine…

Download the first single, "I Heart California" here: http://t.ymlp71.com/hqsbaxameyalawmbwalajse/click.php

For more info click here: http://www.admiralradley.com/