A dream-pop band that mixes introspective lyrics with hazy jangly rock you can dance to, Phoebe Rings has taken four years to get to their debut EP. The quartet played their first live gig in 2020 (well done for that feat) and songwriter Crystal Choi was so spurred on by how the songs sounded live, she wanted Phoebe Rings to record them. That process started remotely and it’s taken up until 2024 for it to be ready for release. Each band member has their own projects and full-time work to balance but maybe their debut EP will change that.
Phoebe Rings cites a patchwork quilt of references but they make sense. The band has a breezy wholesome glow to their sound, as if the songs tap dance through the world. Lightweight and dreamy, Studio Ghibli, Stardew Valley and Zelda music influences translate into that rich and creamy otherworldliness. Elsewhere 90s Korean ballads and Stereolab are poles apart yet they suit the vibe and dream-pop sound too.
The lead single is ‘Daisy’. Uplifting, jaunty and playful with vocal refrains that evoke child lullabies, the dream-pop sound is restrained but deliberately delicate. It is the musical equivalent of smelling morning dew on a sunny day and feeling buoyed to tackle the day ahead. The shimmering aural synths sell that uplifting mood and Choi’s vocal delivery gives a subtle nod to Elizabeth Fraser too.
Enjoy ‘Daisy’ below, it is out now. Phoebe Rings self-titled debut EP is due for release on 18th October. You can pre-order it on Bandcamp. For more information about Phoebe Rings, follow them on Instagram.
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