From the kaleidoscope streets of Lafayette, Louisiana, emerges a musical enigma: The Links. An intoxicating cocktail of surf vibes and brit-pop twang, with a generous dose of spaced-out sonics, this alternative trio is preparing to bless our ears with their new album, “Outside”, dropping everywhere on October 6th.
Born from the musically intricate mind of J. Marola in the early 2010s, The Links seamlessly weave inspiration from past and present icons, molding them into their own genre-bending tapestry. Whether you’re a fan of the dreamy landscapes painted by bands like The Verve and Radiohead or you’re more inclined to the modern psychedelic cadence of Tame Impala and King Gizzard, The Links are the tantalizing middle ground that bridges these worlds.
To truly grasp the essence of The Links, one must dive deep into their rich tapestry of music, both in its recorded form and the raw energy of their live performances. This isn’t a band that can be merely summed up in a few words or neatly packaged into a concise genre label. Indeed, if you were to distill their essence into a bottle and attempt to label it, the description “Psychedelic, surf & britpop-tinged space rock” might graze the surface, but it doesn’t do full justice. This descriptor captures the exhilarating adventure, the immersive atmosphere, and the delightful idiosyncrasies that define them, but there’s so much more.
Their music is a journey; a voyage into the vast cosmos of sound where every note, every beat is an exploration. When the band speaks about their aspirations for their audience, it’s evident in their desire to transcend the ordinary. They talk of evoking a raw, reckless abandon in their listeners, of transporting them to realms of atmospheric wonder. They craft their music to showcase the intricate details, those subtle nuances that make a live show unforgettable, while ensuring that the same magic persists, hauntingly beautiful, in their recordings.
Their influences – a vibrant palette of ’90s Brit bands known for their peculiar allure mixed with the distinct edge of modern Australian psych rock groups – paints a vivid picture of their own musical ethos. It’s an eclectic blend, yet it perfectly encapsulates what The Links bring to the sonic table. This isn’t just music – it’s a journey to surf on the moon by.
A sneak peek into “Outside” tells us that this album is set to be a game-changer. Nine tracks, each a masterpiece of its own, reveal the band’s meticulous attention to detail and their unparalleled musicianship.
‘Try To Change’ stands out, a veritable jewel in the crown. Its shimmering tones and moody, ethereal resonance transports listeners back to the atmospheric allure of cult classics like “The Lost Boys”. But then, just as you’re sinking into that nostalgic reverie, “Levity” sweeps in. A tour de force of commanding vocals and intricate instrumentation, it promises a cosmic journey that beckons listeners into its astral embrace, urging them to stay awhile, to get lost in its vastness.
These tracks, along with the rest of the album, are meticulously layered sonic experiences, encouraging you to come back, to press replay, to discover a fresh nuance or a previously overlooked rhythm. Each listen unveils a new dimension, a new emotion, making “Outside” an album not just to hear, but to experience in its entirety.
The album boasts three singles – “Calice”, “We Got Time”, and the aforementioned “Try To Change”, alongside six other tracks that are poised to become fan favorites. One can only imagine the intoxicating energy that will pulsate through Feed N Seed in Lafayette during their pre-release party on September 29th. And if you can’t make it? Not to fret – they’ve got an online listening party via Bandcamp on September 28th.
This album is a testament to their talent, with every aspect – from writing to production – being an in-house endeavor. Collaborating with Log S and mixed & mastered by the adept Jack Morrison for Warganized Records, the album is also visually encapsulated by the artwork of Dave Danzara from Lost in Time Design.
For those who’ve yet to dive into the cosmic world of The Links, their album “Outside” is the perfect portal. And for the dedicated fans? Prepare for an album that only solidifies why The Links are a force to be reckoned with.
The Links are more than just an alternative anomaly from Lafayette; they’re the space surfers of the modern age, beckoning us to join them on their odyssey.
Get a sneak peek of their journey:
- Instagram: thelinksusa
- Spotify: The Links
- Bandcamp: thelinks.bandcamp.com
- Flowcode: thelinksusa
Remember the date: October 6th. “Outside” awaits.
