When I wrote about Pikefruit back in 2019, I praised this delightful Seattle duo’s willingness to break the rules a bit. Sprig called to mind acts like Air and Beach House while also putting a minimalist twist on dreamy indie-pop. But I also discussed how the drumming didn’t suit the overall feel of a few songs, which distracted me more than I preferred.
Not only has that concern been addressed on Inflorescence, but the group hit a new level of creativity.
The general spaced-out mood of their debut EP remains, but the ideas have been pushed and expanded into fantastic new directions. Nicole’s clear soprano voice resounds with gorgeous tone and bittersweet edge, while Alex’s production work creates supple synth-focused pop. The result is a precious and twee affect that resists sounding cloying or obnoxious. At first, I merely appreciated the Donna Lewis meets Blonde Redhead aesthetic of these ten songs. They projected a lush, dreamy quality that rejected the formulaic floating sensations of new-school ambient artists. I basked in rich keyboard swells, danced with melodic arpeggios, and bounced to crisp drum programming. I welcomed the overall downtempo pacing of this project while also wishing for more prominent bass lines. But during my fourth listen through Pikefruit’s blend of ‘80s New Wave, ‘90s pop, and ‘00s indie, I realized what the band had created.
This is Slowdive without the distortion.
Everything you need to make shoegaze without the banks of effects pedals is present on Inflorescence. Steady, pulsing rhythms sit atop skewed pop-rock arrangements, resulting in strong grooves that are somehow resistant to extended jamming. But thanks to superior musicality, the band knows how to subvert those formulas. And like large swathes of noisy indie-pop, the appearance of introverted navel-gazing masks lyrics about a person seeking a real connection.
With “While I Smile,” a loosely syncopated pattern is countered by floating synth lines straight out of a Super Nintendo RPG. On “Clockwork,” a rich bass melody anchors a melancholy pop tune that could have become an over-the-top dance number in lesser hands. “Play Your Game” finds Alex channeling his inner Jamie xx, complete with airy keys, fun rhythms, and subtle sonic layering. And “Where I Go” is a luscious torch song that goes for the big crescendo at the end, perfect for a barn-burning techno remix.
Moreover, Pikefruit is somehow the inverse of Carly Rae Jepsen – which is NOT a slight on either artist.
I’m a big fan of lovelorn lyrics that aren’t horny or flush with innuendo. The overt brooding of the musical delivery and the subtle innocence of the relatable lyrical themes create a palpable tension. The result is a compelling listening experience. Though Carly belts with abandon, Nicole’s breathy vocals feel welcoming and courteous, yet never clingy or pleading. Both artists share realistic sentiments about love and loss while reflecting a deep maturity. Most importantly, Nicole knows what she wants, and she knows how she feels. And just like Carly, she is not afraid of sharing her emotions with you.
Inflorescence packs a wallop in the most polite way possible. The songs provide a familiar entry point for a mildly curious listener who enjoys thoughtful, low-key pop music. They also reward those who stick around to explore what lies beneath the depths. The world needs more musical explorers like Pikefruit who break down and reinvent comfy genre tropes. Alex and Nicole proved to be superb artists who trust their instincts and tastes while also wanting to push themselves to try new things.