Picture an empty town down the shore, the kind where the echoes of summer laughter still haunt the deserted boardwalks. “Delancey” by South Jersey outfit Polaroid Fade is a love song, not for a person, but for a place. It serenades the silent streets, the vacant houses, and the wistful memories they hold. The melody captures the haunting beauty of an off-season beach town, where every shuttered window and weathered sign whispers tales of what once was. It’s a ballad to towns like Cape May, Avalon, and Stone Harbor, where the sea breeze carries ghosts of past romances and promises unkept.
Polaroid Fade sailed into the South Jersey scene just over a year ago, though their musical roots run deep. It’s comprised of Nicoletta, the band’s vocal dynamo and lyricist; Tyler, a guitarist with a multi-instrumental pedigree, spins intricate melodies and hooks that linger; Grace, the bassist, who anchors each track with grooves that pulse with rhythm and melody; and RJ, the drummer from a metal background, who injects dynamic energy and precision, allowing the band to delve into softer textures without losing intensity. Their dreamy sound is a seamless blend of old-school new wave and modern alternative rock, bridging the past and present with a fresh, familiar flair.
Delancey unfurls with an infectious refrain, its driving tempo and beguiling guitar tones striking a balance between classic and contemporary. The track epitomizes the perfect vibe for gliding down the boardwalk on a breezy day. Effervescent, buoyant vocals reminiscent of Kate Pierson and The Shangri Las blend seamlessly with the lush, layered sound, echoing hints of Lush, The Sundays, Liz Phair, Martha and the Muffins, and Berlin. The jangling guitars, however, place us squarely in 1980s Glasgow. The chorus swells like the tide, invoking a bittersweet nostalgia for lost moments. Delancey tugs at the heartstrings, making you yearn for a place frozen in time, awaiting the return of its fleeting summer romance.
Listen to “Delancey” below:
“Delancey” is the first release from Shore Points Records, heralding Polaroid Fade’s forthcoming full-length album, Chaos Into Poetry. Since dropping their debut single “Any Other Way” in 2022, Polaroid Fade has steadily built a dedicated fanbase and made significant waves in the local scene. Now, with their sights set on the open road, the band is poised to push the boundaries of their musical exploration. Each new track carries the promise of old-school new wave mingling with modern alternative rock, delivering a sound that’s as fresh as it is familiar.
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