Laikaa "Pouring Youth" EP Review

Chicagoland-based alternative band Laikaa recently released their debut EP Pouring Youth. This self-produced release is a reaction to late 80s/early 90s alternative music, portraying nostalgia from the perspective of kids born past its time. With a dark, heady blend of alt/indie rock and shoegaze, Pouring Youth cloaks you in a dreamy haze.

“Deep Rest” opens with quick drum beats and shortly blends with soft guitar and synth. Smooth vocals describe finding courage in depressing times. The slow tempo with protracted vocal lines and synth creates a sense of melancholy, with glimmers of hope in the lyrics, “Stay awake/For today/For today/Gone astray/It’s okay.” This brooding, confessional track frames a mood for the rest of the EP.

“Halter Gown” picks up the tempo, introducing swirling vocals and striking lyrics. Opening with the lines, “Could it be why it’s red?/Unwrap it all in your head/Rinse the blood off that dress,” the lyrics create vivid images joined with ambient, vast instrumentals. The guitar drones and feedback ripples sustain a dim yet stimulating effect.

“dandelions.” channels more of an indie rock style. Melodic guitar and vocals give hints of Melophobia-era Cage The Elephant, still mixed with the band’s unique alt/shoegaze blend. “Majora” is dominated by waves of distorted guitar and alt rock elements. “Sputnik-2” brings Pouring Youth to a close, calling back a steady, atmospheric vibe. Laikaa produces a unique alt sound, gloomy and winding.

Keep up with Laikaa:

Instagram

Stream Pouring Youth:

Spotify SoundCloud