RYLI

***Ryli is the latest project from Yea-Ming Chen (Yea-Ming and The Rumours) and Rob Good (The Goods). Joined by the propulsive rhythm section of Luke Robbins (ex-Latitude, RE Seraphin) on bass and Ian McBrayer (ex-Sonny and The Sunsets, ex-Healing Potpourri) on drums, the band pairs Chen’s intimate songwriting and dulcet vocal stylings with Good’s effervescent arrangements, replete with sparkling guitars and dreamy harmonies.

Initially brought together by Dandy Boy Records to record a Cleaners From Venus cover, Chen and Good quickly bonded over their mutual appreciation of classic pop songs and formed an immediate musical kinship. Inspired by their spontaneous connection, the pair ended up writing an original song during the session. Soon after, they were joined by Robbins and McBrayer, and Ryli was officially born.

Their debut single “I Think I Need You Around” b/w “When I Fall” is a succinct distillation of their unique indie pop sound. A-side “I Think I Need You Around” is kinetic jangle rock with gentle vocals reminiscent of Camera Obscura. A good old-fashioned tale of lust and longing, it’s lifted by bright guitar arpeggios and desperate harmonies. “When I Fall,” on the other hand, is a woozy, Spector-esque ballad, capturing that late-night feeling of uncertainty as you trudge home after last call. The accompanying video was directed by Staci DeGagne and captures the band vibrantly giving them a fun playful and retro aesthetic like Spike Jonez directing the music sequence of an episode of the Monkees.