Palm Tapes

– ‘Mango Lane’ C27 $5
When the sun sets and the skate sess winds down, Jack Engwall and Austin Carpenter hit the studio. There, the Detroit duo (who are backed by a full band live) record their inspired magic. On this self-titled album, the good vibes and pop feels never wane. Every track succeeds with warm Juno-106, sexy syncopated bass, vocal hooks and beach-kissed guitar. Audiofemme writes, “If Detroit had palm trees and if palm trees had a theme song we would have to assume that Mango Lane’s chilled out, shimmering L.A. afternoon make-out session “Sex” would be most fitting.” Engwall delivers the tracks opening lyrics: “It’s okay to speak your mind / It’s okay to be honest” with warmth, but trippy detachment. In “City” the lyrics are almost hippyish, but beautiful in their simplicity and perfectly fitting. The song evokes fields of carefree sunflowers, or maybe a hot mirage. “Elaborate” melds Mango Lane’s main motifs of funk guitar, bouncing bass and poppy vocals together. Mango Lane have great songs, and this is the perfect summer album.

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