Strangers In A Strange Land: A Brief Review Of The New Album From False Tracks (Ex-The Ropers, Lilys)

Even though members of False Tracks played in legendary shoegaze / dream-pop groups, little of the music of False Tracks sounds like that genre. Instead, the Philly outfit crank out sharp power pop with hints of neo-psychedelia creeping through. When Fortune Feeds, their newest, reveals debts owed to R.E.M., the Paisley Underground bands, and Velvet Crush.

Opener "Stranger in a Strange Land" is a bit Tommy Keene-y, with the hooks being ones that are hard not to love, while "Scattered Conversation" is like "Life and How to Live It" only cranked up to 11. "The Hills Have Eyes" sounds a little like The Cure and The Chameleons, and it's a real highlight of this record. False Tracks have a way of clearly revealing their inspirations while still putting fresh spins on these kind of riffs and moods. I mean, I can hear New Order, The Cure, and R.E.M. in "Last Wave" and even saying that doesn't diminish what a superb slice of indie rock it is.

When Fortune Feeds is like a crash course in college rock forms. There's a lot here that's clearly been informed by the best records we grew up on, but False Tracks keep this fresh. Guitars chime, vocals yearn, and all that. If you're someone like me who was a big fan of The Ropers (both Mike Hammel and Gregory Pavlovcak were in that legendary Slumberland Records outfit), you might not hear a lot here that directly links up to the Ride-y pleasures of those old records. However, what you will find on this 2025 release from False Tracks is assured indie played with a lot of gusto. Loaded with hooks, and a smart sense of how to update power pop tropes for ears raised on indie, False Tracks have cranked out a winner here.

When Fortune Feeds by False Tracks is out now. Details below.

[Photo: Khoi Vinh]