“During the dry years, the people forgot about the rich years, and when the wet years returned, they lost all memory of the dry years. It was always that way.”
John Steinbeck, East of Eden
Typically, we’ll start off with a quote from the band’s lyrics or promo materials, but for some reason Steinbeck came to mind today. It’s a quote about California, and so my mind went there after pressing play on Torrey’s new self-titled album, which starts with the track “Rain.” After this year and last, we’ve had so much of it.
But beyond the literal, there’s the musical drought long forgotten, as Torrey’s first record for Slumberland Records slots in yet another great drizzly indie pop record for the Bay. Start to end, it’s made up of humming shoegaze guitars, nostalgic lofi production stylings, hooky vocals, and more. Some of these songs, like “Slow Blues,” will sound like familiar old friends. And perhaps they are; because whether it’s the dry years or the wet years, there’s a thread that ties this music to the past—and future.
For more from this musical family, check out the first solo full-length album from Torrey’s lead vocalist and bassist Ryann Gonsalves: Ouch! was released on Dandy Boy Records just last month.
And definitely consider attending Oakland Weekender—taking place June 6-8 at Thee Stork Club—featuring the talents of Torrey, Tony Jay, Artsick, and many more of the best in local indie rock.
