The Bay Area’s own local post-punk heroes, Topographies, are set to unveil their latest auditory odyssey, “Interior Spring,” on February 2, 2024. Set for Released under the revered Dark Entries label, this sophomore album is a testament to the band’s evolving sound and lyrical depth. Comprising Justin Oronos, Jeremie Ruest, and Gray Tolhurst, Topographies formed in 2018 amidst San Francisco’s iconic fog-laden hills and streets. Their music is a captivating fusion of coldwave’s crisp guitar tones and the dense, ethereal layers of classic shoegaze.
The new album, “Interior Spring” delves into themes such as the complexities of guilt, inherited trauma, and the arduous journey towards healing. The title itself is a metaphorical triad, representing a hidden river of hope, the intense winding of a clock, and a springtime of blooming wildflowers that rise from past sorrows. It’s an emotional excavation, promising to unearth feelings previously unacknowledged.
The influence of Gray Tolhurst’s father, Lol Tolhurst, cofounder of The Cure, is subtly present, yet Topographies distinctly channels the essence of bands like Asylum Party and The Chameleons. This is particularly evident in tracks like “Night Sea,” where Tolhurst’s fervent vocals ride a wave of buoyant rhythms and mesmerizing guitars and bass.
Listen below:
“Night Sea” serves as an intriguing prelude to what the album forthcoming holds. “Interior Spring” is not just another collection of songs; it’s a narrative of Tolhurst’s personal battles with substance abuse, vividly portraying the tumultuous highs and lows of addiction. Not only that, it’s a journey through the human experience, with all its imperfections and wonders.
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