Led by Augusta “Gus” Alexander, indie pop project GOODTWIN derives its name as an ode to Alexander’s very good twin sister. And with the release of handful of singles over the past two years, the project has blended elements of soul, funk and pop to create a smooth, dynamic sound that’s remarkably contemporary yet timeless.
Their debut EP Soft Serve will feature what the band has dubbed “Open Road Music,” a dreamy, alternative pop sound with a bit of retro soul; the sort of music meant to played on a road trip as the wind ruffles your hair. The four-song EP is reportedly the culmination of old ideas brought to life through new collaborations.
Soft Serve EP will include the previously released “Shortcuts” and its second and latest single “Roadside.” Sonically resembling a blend of Laurel Canyon, 80s New Wave and Beach House-like dream pop, “Roadside” began as a dreamy arrangement written by the band’s Brandon Ronquillo a couple of years ago that was put aside until the right moment arrived.
When Ronquillo bought the song to the rest of the band, they were immediately drawn to its textures and sultry yet easy-going feel. The band’s Alexander wrote lyrics inspired by the image the arrangement conjured for all of them: driving on an open highway, windows down, blurry lights passing by. From there, the group worked out the melodies and arrangement together, with multi-instrumentalist Ian Rosales engineering and producing the track. The result is a breezy, road-trip friendly song.
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