Credits:

Totally Mild (Australia)

Description:

Like a more retro Beach House, Australia’s Totally Mild make melodic, post-Mazzy Star dream pop with a sunny and simultaneously nostalgic hue on their debut long-player, Down Time. Elizabeth Mitchell’s ethereal vocals are a signature of the band’s sound, but it’s no lopsided affair; Zachary Schneider’s guitar work, built on surf guitar tones, is sometimes atmospheric and sometimes hooky, as in the singsong solos of “Nights,” but always transfixing. That song also showcases Ringo Starr-like spacious but rhythmically distinctive drumming by Ashley Bundang, indicative of her playing on the album. While some of the melodies are more memorable than others, they’re all wide-ranging and endearing. “When I’m Tired” is a particularly intricate standout melody-wise, with meaty Dick Dale and girl group voicings affecting a peppy but otherworldly, Twin Peaks-type anachronistic feel. The sweet “