Tom Gallo is the host of Look At My Records! on Radio Free Brooklyn.
One of the most beloved trios to emerge out of North Brooklyn in the late aughts, Vivian Girls, officially announced their reformation last Wednesday after a five-year hiatus. The band rose to prominence during a transitional period in the history of New York City’s music scene, one where the focus shifted from Manhattan to Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Bushwick.
The reformed lineup, which includes Cassie Ramone on guitar, Katy Goodman on bass, and Ali Koehler on drums, also detailed several exciting upcoming releases, including their next album, Memory, which is out on September 20 via Polyvinyl Records. The label is also reissuing Vivian Girls’ 2008 self-titled debut and their 2009 sophomore album, Everything Goes Wrong, both of which are long out of print.
In anticipation of their fourth album, the group also shared “Sick,” the first single from Memory. To the delight of the band’s fans, “Sick” picks up right where Vivian Girls left off with their superb 2011 album Share The Joy. The trio’s vintage sounding harmonies continue to anchor their songs, as they permeate through fuzzy guitars and a serpentine bass line. Though the song starts out sunny and bright, it delves into darkness, as vocalist Cassie Ramone swirling voice proclaims “I’m not okay. I’m sick every day.” Overall, the hiatus certainly hasn’t affected the trio’s chemistry, as “Sick” proves that their penchant for crafting hazy guitar pop gems hasn’t faded in the slightest.
Stream “Sick” below:
You can pre-order Memory on limited edition colored vinyl via Polyvinyl Records.
The band also announced a fall tour, including a stop at Warsaw in Greenpoint on October 17. For a full list of dates, check out the band’s website.
All images courtesy of Vivian Girls.
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