Feature by Melissa Edelblum
Have you ever wondered what alt-pop mixed with a bit of ’60s soul sounds like? Well, we’ve found the match for exactly that combination. Lanikai.
The band comes from the lead singer of Imaginary Cities, Marti Sarbit who formed Lanikai after Imaginary Cities went on an indefinite hiatus. Her current project (Lanikai) mixes past and present influences, resulting in a unique fusion of very eclectic sounds. The band gets their name from a peaceful, yet stormy Hawaiian island, that (I guess we can’t say ironically?) also goes by the name of Lanikai.
Lanikai dropped “Wear and Tear” last week, which is their first single of 2018. Staying true to its pop roots, the ’60s soul influence is very prominent throughout the entire song. It’s almost as if you’re listening to a Brooklyn based indie pop band mixed with a really good cover band, but the song is unfamiliar and different than anything we’ve ever heard before. The lyrics are very relatable and explore embracing one’s self in all types of social situations and the distinctive vocals help progress the flow of the track. Intrigued and want to hear more? We do, this band has a little something for everyone.
Lanikai is set for a debut full-length album release for Summer 2018. You can listen to “Wear and Tear” by visiting their SoundCloud and learn more about Lanikai at their website or on Facebook and Instagram.
