Astropop 3: Life

This three-track single is the latest release from Virginian underground indie-pop songsmith Dan Villanueva, the permanent face of an ever-changing lineup known as Astropop 3. Co-produced with Brad Rosenberg, who worked alongside Villanueva on the accomplished long-player Allies and Stepping Stones in 2004, Life sees the pair return with another gust of breezy melodic pop. The title track, taken from the forthcoming Planting Seeds Records tribute compilation Easy To Be Free: The Songs of Rick Nelson, focusing on the singer’s pioneering country rock period, is a jaunty pleasure that bounces along full of gentle strumming guitar, hand claps, and mischievous whistling. Villanueva originals “All in Your Head” and “All You Want Is Love” meanwhile continue his love affair with British pop of the ’60s and ’90s, accompanied by lilting lap steel guitar and air organ.