In December 2014 Boston based band Littlefoot released their debut Night of the Living Dreams on Bufu records. The ten tracks were catchy, melodic, and most of all intensely moody surf rock. While Night was reminiscent of a walk on the beach in the February cold, their follow up, Lavender with its bright 80’s synths and gauzy guitar lines conjures up a sweet summer night. The release of this album on November 17th via bandcamp  was a highly anticipated one.

Littlefoot has, in my opinion, managed to avoid the sophomore slump that oftentimes makes a second release a mark, for better or worse, of a bands artistry. On Lavender what Littlefoot delivers still has hints of hazy reverb-drenched songs that captivated listeners on Night (could be worse/ divination) but also displays their progression as a band. After an extraordinary first album the group manages to catch listeners off guard. To me, the best moments of surprise come in ‘Nervous Nelly’ with a punchy upbeat guitar intro unlike anything on their Nights.

Originally a solo project of singer/ guitarist/ keyboardist Erica Sutherland, the togetherness of this work, among multiple lineup changes since their first album is noteworthy. The record features the dynamic drumming of Matt Liset who gracefully switches up between barer arrangements (could be worse) and providing the driving, classic drum lines that are essential to good surf rock (feel better/nervous nelly). Zy Baer on bass completes the tight rhythm section that comprise the backbone of the band as Dash Lunde holds it down on lead guitar. For recording and mixing the band has again worked with Alex Garcia-Rivera of Mystic Valley Studio.

Despite the changes, Littlefoot’s Lavender retains the quality of the band that listeners find so captivating: the sense of mystery in the music.

Although the release is deceptively brighter sonically, Sutherland’s sweet vocals sound like a distant mirage just under the lead guitar that hints at something cryptic hidden beneath the surface.