· By HibinoTakafumi
Blushing Announce New Album " Sugarcoat"
Blushing will release their third album “Sugarcoat” featuring Jeff Schroeder (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) on May 3rd.Blushing, the American alternative rock band whose visit to Japan with Softcult is still fresh in our minds, has announced the release of their latest album.The video for the lead single “Tamagotchi” from their third album “Sugarcoat”, which featured Ride’s Mark Gardner for engineering and former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder, was released on May 3rd.Influenced by bands as diverse as Elastica, Curve, Veruca Salt, Lush, The Breeders, and Smashing Pumpkins, Blushing evokes the best elements of alternative rock from the past, while also incorporating recent releases such as DIIV, NewDad, Softcult, Wisp, and more. He has established a unique style that is linked to the contemporary scene.After releasing the Philip Odom-engineered EPs Tether (2017) and Weak (2018), they teamed up with Ringo Deathstarr’s Elliott Frazier to make their self-titled debut in 2019. Their second album, ‘’Possessions’‘, received a lot of attention as it featured guest vocals from Piroshka/ex-Lush’s Miki Berenyi, and was mixed and mastered by Ride’s Mark Gardener.With Fraser and Gardner once again involved in engineering, mixing, and mastering, ``Sugarcoat’' is a dense sound that delves into the history of alternative rock, in addition to psychedelia and luscious pop. “Seafoam” features former Smashing Pumpkins member Jeff Schroeder on lead guitar.After touring the US, appearing at LEVITATION and SXSW, and co-starring with Snail Mail, Blonde Redhead, Beabadoobee, etc., he will come to Japan with Softcult in 2023. New songs from this album were also performed.Sugarcoat’s lyrics ask many questions and reach out for someone to give them an answer, or for the answer to come from within. There are many uncertainties, both in the world and personally. Growing older, questioning past decisions, and the future being always unknown. “Sugarcoat’‘ presents the perspectives of both the indecisive and the wise.