Lightheaded’s Debut Album ‘Combustible Gems’: A Fresh Take on Classic Pop
Lightheaded is a standout pop group. Their music is rich with melodious tunes and harmonious arrangements that strike a balance between sweet and poignant, both familiar and innovative. Their sound is characterized by the delightful blend of Sara Abdlebarry’s dynamic and artful lead guitar on a Gretsch, complemented by the bell-like tones of Stephen Stec’s Rickenbacker, all grounded by Cynthia Rickenbach’s Hofner Violin bass, reminiscent of the bass tones on Michel Polnareff’s debut album.
Cynthia and Stephen craft pop songs with a timeless appeal, drawing from a deep appreciation of classic influences. Cynthia’s attire often includes a Gene Clark T-shirt, signaling her admiration for Dusty Springfield, The Aislers Set, and Joan Jett. Stephen, on the other hand, is heavily influenced by Big Star, The Clientele, and The Go-Betweens. Their music, much like that of The Aislers Set and Belle & Sebastian, presents a rich tapestry of pop history and top-tier rock and roll.
Their first album, Combustible Gems, explores their musical identity through intricate melodies and chords, producing exceptionally captivating music. The debut single “Dawn Hush Lullaby” blends electric folk-pop with a waltz-like start, transitioning into a vibe akin to Greenwich Village pop, reminiscent of a Norma Tanega song. “Moments Notice” is an irresistibly rhythmic track that starts with a Motown or The Jam feel before Sara’s mesmerizing guitar riff elevates it into a sublime pop realm.
“Hugging Horizons” could be described as the sound of young New Jersey, a soulful track that ventures into innovative pop territories. The album concludes with “Because of You,” which features a Johnny Marr-style guitar and lush strings, capturing a tone that is sophisticated yet earnest, and endearingly sincere. Check out “Bright Happy Girls” below:
TOUR DATES
May 24 Somerville, MA – Union Tavern w/Little Oso
May 25 Providence, RI – Lost Bag w/Little Oso
May 26 Brooklyn, NY – 18th Ward w/Little Oso
May 28 Asbury Park, NJ – Johnny & June’s w/Little Oso
May 29 Philadelphia, PA – Abyssinia w/Little Oso
May 31 Brooklyn, NY – Market Hotel w/Heavenly
Jun 06 Oakland, CA – Oakland Weekender at Thee Stork Club
Jun 08 Los Angeles, CA – Permanent Records Roadhouse w/Uni Boys & The Smashing Times
Jun 14 NYC, NY – The Broadway w/The Umbrellas & The Smashing Times
Jul 19 Brighton, UK – Rossi Bar w/Mt Misery
Jul 20 Cardiff, UK – The Moon w/Mt Misery
Jul 21 Oxford, UK – Tap Social w/Mt Misery
Jul 22 Leeds, UK – Royal Park Cellars w/Mt Misery
Jul 23 Sheffield, UK – The Delicious Clam w/Mt Misery
Jul 24 London, UK – SLR Showcase at The Lexington w/Birdie & Tony Molina
Jul 25 Manchester, UK – Gulliver’s w/Mt Misery
Jul 26 Glasgow, UK – Glas-Goes Pop! festival
Jul 28 Glasgow, UK – Monorail Music
