Brooklyn-based indie rock band Summer Hours make music for the lazy days of Summer with the windows rolled down, cruising along some stretch of coastal, salt-sprayed highway. Singer Rachel Dannefer’s casually engaging vocals never seem rushed and never seem in a hurry to get where they’re going. The same could be said for the music, which exudes a charming lack of pretension. Initially calling themselves La Pieta, founding members Dannefer and guitarist Mike Bliss met at Oberlin College and quickly set about recording their debut album, which was was released in 20o0 via Contraphonic Records. Changing their name to Summer Hours in 2007, the band signed to Deep Elm Records and released three albums of catchy indie pop. The band has shared the stage with like-minded pop fanatics of Montreal and Dressy Bessy and have developed a loyal fan base due to their extensive touring schedule. Their newest album Closer Still is out today on Technical Echo Records.
In addition to the release of Closer Still, the band has also unveiled a new single called “Brilliant Things,” which comes from the new record. Featuring a deceptively simple guitar lead and Dannefer’s fey vocals, the song brings to mind the longer days of Summer, along with the remembrance of days at the beach and nights together with friends. And like those capricious days, “Brilliant Things” is similarly unhurried and difficult to predict. It has a certain lackadaisical attraction that keeps it buzzing around your ears long after the music has stopped.
Beats Per Minute is pleased to premiere “Brilliant Things,” the latest single from Summer Hours upcoming album Closer Still.
