Nyles Lannon Goes For Adds

Nyles Lannon (formerly N. Lannon) returns with The Clouds and the Sea, his first release since 2015’s Falling Inside. The EP is a sparkling collection of introspective psych-pop. Drawing on his work as guitarist in shoegaze band Film School, the songs are bathed in a layer of dreamy atmosphere but maintain the focused clarity and melodic flare for which Lannon is known. Moving away from the singer/songwriter bedroom style of his previous releases to a more band-focused, open rock sound, the The Clouds and the Sea is a melding of New Wave, acoustic pop, and modern chillwave, like The Police and Fleetwood Mac layered with synths and washy guitar.  Lannon’s heart-felt lyrics pair nicely with the sounds of his seasoned band, featuring the Motown-style drumming of Jon Langmead, Michael Rivo’s driving bass, high harmonies and synths from Nichole Kreglow, and bold lead guitar by Chad Bredehoft. The Clouds and the Sea has been released by the same label that released Lannon’s three other solo albums starting with Chemical Friends in 2004 – Badman Recording Co.

Lannon recorded the EP at his home studio in San Rafael, CA, with the help of his bandmates and his ten-year-old son, Skye, who often manned the controls. His friend Count (Tycho, DJ Shadow) mixed and mastered, and his pals Alex Kemp (Poolside/Rhye, ESX) and Halou chimed in with remixes. Rogue Wave’s Pat Spurgeon, who Lannon met while touring as the band’s keyboard player, provided a drum track for the cover of Missing Persons’ “Destination Unknown,” poet Julie Butler provided lyrics for the title track, and photographer Laura Plageman shot the cover. Jonathan Caouette (maker of the cult-favorite Tarnation) is currently producing a series of videos for the EP that have been evolving as a continuous collaboration as Caouette’s psychedelic-collage approach has influenced Lannon’s writing, and vice versa. “Music has been such an important part of my life these last few years,” Lannon reveals. “I’m so grateful to have creative friends around me contributing to my vision.”

“As direct as it is hypnotic.” – KEXP Podcast Song of the Day

Digital Servicing Only

Recommended Tracks: Track 2, “Love Again,”  Track 4, “Hiding,” Track 3, “Destination Unknown”

RIYL: Film School, Swervedriver, Elliott Smith, Ride, Washed Out

FCC Clean

Going For Adds 3/5

Label: Badman Recording Co.