Pearl Earl - It's Dread (2023)

Los Angeles-based neo-psychedelic indie rock outfit Pearl Earl drops their new album, It’s Dread, via Green Witch Records,

Frontwoman Ariel Hartley explains that the album is “a journey through the existential crisis of apocalyptic anxiety and ego death. With a tongue-in-cheek attitude and flavor for sci-fi, ‘It’s Dread’ immerses itself into a doomed Earth plagued by a capitalistic and patriarchal society captivated by celebrity worship and consumerism. Despite the majority of the album being written during a global pandemic, there is an underlying glimmer of hope and resolution throughout its subversive demeanor.”

The project of singer-songwriter Ariel Hartley, Pear Earl formed in 2014, originally as a three-piece band. Having evolved, the band is now made up of original and touring members, including Bailey K Chapman, Stefanie Lazcano, Chelsey Danielle, Teddy Georgia Waggy, and Leeza V.

Previously described as “Pink Floyd in the sunlight” the band’s live performances are captivating and euphoric with an ominous grin. Pearl Earl has toured the U.S. several times, and has shared the stage with Death Valley, Girls, Oh Sees, Post Animal, The Black Angels, Acid Dad, Frankie and The Witch Fingers, and Black Lips, along with performing at major festivals such as Levitation and SXSW.

Encompassing 10 tracks, It’s Dread begins with “Damage Control,” opening on a swirling, drum-filled intro topped by lysergic washes of coloration, accented by heavy guitar attacks. Dreamy, drifting vocals imbue the lyrics with pensive savors.

Entry points include “Evil Does It,” with its dark, rumbling surfaces and climbing melody. Siren-like vocals give the lyrics portentous weight as kaleidoscopic textures infuse the tune with spine-chilling veneers.

The title track, akin to a blend of surf-rock and dream-pop, travels on creamy, sparkling hues, shimmering with iridescence and hallucinatory colors. A personal favorite because of its edgy guitars and roiling rhythm, “Full Moon Power” conjures up suggestions of the B-52’s on mind-altering drugs.

The final track, “Miss Milky Way’s Mental Breakdown,” merges flavors of jangle pop and hints of punk rock into a glittery, chiming tune topped by delicate, glossy vocals. As the harmonics take on hefty muscle, the song growls with dense layers of guitars riding the finessed grumble of the drums.

Drenched in hazes of psychedelia, with It’s Dread, Pearl Earl offers up a compelling amalgamation of innovative indie/psych-rock.