Soft Science: Highs and Lows

Cut from a cloth recognizable to fans of Best Coast, the Like, and maybe even Jenny and Johnny, this Sacramento outfit also leans heavily into the land of shoegaze via “Closer to Me”, “Last Time”, and “No Sanctuary”. It’s in those moments that vocalist Katie Haley sounds best and where the music seems to best accentuate her talents. The more strictly pop-oriented numbers, “When Will You Come Home”, “Something to Go On” and “It’s Right” (Rilo Kiley, anyone?) are charming enough to recommend. Rounded out by drummer Ross Levine, bassist Mason Demusey and guitarist Matt Levine, Soft Science has the potential to become one of the great Left Coast power pop bands.