1981, The

***Following their 2023 debut LP, Move On, the 1981 return to their garage rock roots with their new single. Embracing the sounds of their youth and leaning into a clean and catchy sound that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary Bay Area powerpop. The 7” finds the band playing to the cyclical resurgence of 90’s culture while maintaining a gritty Elvis Costello-meets-Nuggets undertone.

“Soft Goodbye" continues to demonstrate a depth that belies the familiar and sentimental melody of much loved lo-fi indie pop of the 90’s by way of bubblegum pop of the 60’s. The song is about the dangers of investing too much of yourself into something and aging out of that connection. The bouncy bubblegum organ line and phased guitar make for a playful and sunshiney hook while the verses offer a subdued reminder of the here and now. Adrift and desperate, indeed!

“Count On Me”, was written in a parking lot in Emeryville with primitive and fuzzy garage tinged sounds of Comet Gain, the Flaming Stars, Micky Hampshire and a Toe Rag Studios style production in mind. The choppy fuzz guitar “lead” was lifted from a poorly recalled Adult Babies track and the two note organ/ guitar melody sounds like a police siren signaling the crime. Keyboard player and producer/ songwriter, Bobby Martinez makes a rare appearance front and center singing lead. The words are about taking one on the chin and keeping a stiff upper lip even when you’re heartbroken and down. There are lies we tell ourselves and people around us; “I’m fine. This is fine. Everything is fine, thanks for asking! No worries!”- anything to make it through the day and save face. No one likes a whiner and you can always count on him to be a team player if nothing else.