Photo via facebook.com/literatureband

Earlier this month, we got a taste of Philly pop band’s  Literature‘s new album when they released “English Softhearts.” Now you can stream the album via Hype Machine, until its August 19th release via Slumberland records. In many ways, the album is a natural progression from Tie Dye and Arab Spring. The band channeled its energy into tighter sounds and an upbeat atmosphere.

The new album can safely be called an ode to the 60s. In fact, for the recording process, the band used late Sixties studio techniques like true-tape flanging, automatic double-tracking and running vocals through Leslie speaker cabinets. It’s easy to see the references to the Beatles, the Kinks and all the other pop giants from the Sixties, especially on tracks like “English Softhearts”, “The Girl, The Gold Watch and Everything” and “Dance Shoes”. However, there’s also a sense of innovation, like the band took the Sixties’ aesthetic and infused it with their own unique indie pop style. This is especially apparent on the title track, “Chorus”. Overall, the album is catchy and a great way to end the summer.

Stream the song “Grifted” from last year’s Key Studio Session below. Stream Chorus at The Hype Machine here.