Cindy – Another Country

On their fifth full-length release, Another Country, Cindy—the San Francisco quartet led by songwriter Karina Gill—make another strong argument for being the quietest band in the business. Just as shoegaze invites adjectives such as “ethereal” and “hazy,” Cindy’s music practically demands to be described as “hushed,” “gentle,” or “soft.”

One obvious touchstone is another Californian outfit, Mazzy Star, although it’s fair to say Gill’s whispered vocals don’t quite penetrate the soul like Hope Sandoval’s. The Velvet Underground—and especially 1969’s restrained The Velvet Underground—are another clear influence, most evident on the glorious opener “Another Country” and in the subtle drone of “The Viollins.”

The strongest moment of all, however, has to be the ageless ballad “Procession,” with its swooning, reverb-drenched chord progression and melancholy trumpet. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

There is a charming paradox at the heart of Cindy’s music, elevating them above many indie pop peers. While their music is soft, it never feels weak, and while it is slow, it never feels remotely boring. The faint echo of Americana and the barely-there melodies—like an old AM radio station whose frequency is frustratingly out of reach—make Another Country a captivating listen and a triumphant embodiment of the idea that less is often more.

Another Country is out now via Tough Love.