Bachelor - Doomin’ Sun
Ellen Kempner and Melina Duterte may be better known as Palehound and Jay Som, respectively, but they have come together as Bachelor. Written and recorded in Topanga, California way back in January of 2020, this is mostly the work of the twosome, albeit with appearances from Big Thief’s Buck Meek and James Krivchenia, along with Duterte’s partner Annie Truscott of Chastity Belt.
Given the presence of such royalty, it is no surprise that Bachelor’s debut Doomin’ Sun is majestic indie-rock. Whilst it recalls the sounds of Palehound or Jay Som, it may be a surprise at just how perfectly the talents of Kempner and Duterte blend to take things to a higher level. With a sound that runs the gamut from dreampop to punk-funk, there are hints of the likes of Mazzy Star, Franz Ferdinand and Courtney Barnet. For me, though, the absolute standout isStay in the Car, which sounds like the best song The Delgados never recorded.
A record that is said to have been fun to make and steeped in friendship, this is already one of my favourite albums of the year. Honest to goodness, this is gorgeous.
9.5/10
