Across a pair of self-released EPs, Oregonian outfit Growing Pains drummed up hype with their unique take on dream pop that incorporated everything from emo to power pop in addition to heavier shoegaze accents. Earlier this year they announced that they’d be releasing their debut full-length via Photo Finish Records, with Daniel Loves Mandy Forever slated to drop October 9. The single “Swimming” introduced the project by clinging to sugar-sweet power-pop rhythms and lovelorn lyrics while also serving up some tough riffs, while “Drive” cooled things off a bit with an angstier take on pop-punk.
Now, the newly released cut “Crush” takes a more conventional dream-pop approach, with vocalist Kalia Storer’s breathy vocals wafting over the band’s gently rocking soundbed. “This song is about trying, but failing to comprehend the nature of desire with language,” the band shares of the tune. “How do you articulate the failure of language? This song tries to examine this space—a breakthrough of romantic desire creating delirium in the subject.”
Check out the song’s music video below, which sees Growing Pains jamming the track in a hotel room to soundtrack the complex emotions that come with a new crush.
