If you are familiar with the indie scene in Olympia, then chances are you’ve come across the work of Vin Christopher. Involved with Oh, Rose, Ancient Pools, Sawtooth and others, Christopher has been part of some of the scenes most notable and diverse bands, and his production work at Heavy Meadow Sound means that his influence has shaped a wider array of releases too.
Following on from Cosine by Ancient Pools that was released earlier this year on Forged Artifacts, Christopher has again teamed up with the label for a solo release, Too Much, under the moniker Nothings. The project represents yet another facet of Christopher’s musical talents, positioned somewhere between the raw urgency of Oh, Rose and languid shimmer of Ancient Pools. Stylistically, the synth-heavy sound of Nothings might push closer toward the latter, though where Cosine offered a dense haze, Too Much has a newfound immediacy. Dream pop with groove and purpose, be it that of tropical summer rhythms or else a retro folk rock sensibility that’s unafraid of delving into psychedelic waters.
Today we’re delighted to share the lead single, ‘Favorite Shirt’. Opening in a warm wash of synths, the song kicks into a carefree groove that lends a relaxed and playful feel, though Nothings is not content with smart pop. Because the synths continue to radiate in the background, elevating the whole thing with a vaguely transcendental air. Couple this with the searching tone of Christopher’s delivery and the track becomes something altogether more nuanced, the layered style allowing for a song that sacrifices none of the accessibility while maintaining an ambitious sound.