Much in the same way the Oakland-based project of Andy Jordan and Amber Sermeno has grown in scope over the past six years since they released their first demo tape as Naked Roommate, so has the band’s lineup: After Non Plus Temps bandmate Michael “Mig” Zamora and Blues Lawyer’s Alejandra Alcala joined the group for their 2020 debut album Do the Duvet, their newly announced follow-up Pass the Loofah brings Geoff Saba and Jeanne Oss onboard to provide additional horns and percussion for an even fuller sound.
“Bus,” the first taste of the new record, expectedly ups the stakes over the course of its four minutes, as layers begin to build atop the opening synth and electronic beat. As an anthem for public transportation, the single’s lyrical themes essentially also speak to the growing communal aspect of Naked Roommate. “This song is about taking the bus as the upwardly mobile pass you by, but how that’s fine as long as you can enjoy the rhythm of the city,” shares Sermeno of the undeniably rhythmic track. “Especially when you have someone to share it with. It’s a love song.”
Paired with the song is a music video by Ely Daley which sets Sermeno’s lyrics and the band’s minimal-wave synth music to scenes of buses and trains. Check that out below, and pre-order Pass the Loofah here (or on Trouble in Mind’s website here) ahead of the album’s October 25 release.
