Ya aunty’s favorite boyband just released a new album: ‘SUPERBLOOM’
Weston Estate by www.pmstudio.com
In an era of music disappointingly devoid of boybands, Weston Estate brings something fresh, and almost necessary, to the pop indie genre. A North Carolina-based boyband made up of members Marco Gomez, Tanmay Joshi, Abhi Manhass, Srikar Nanduri, and Manas Panchavati, they started releasing music in 2017. With several hits including “So Good”, “Pears”, and “Stoked”, the majority of their production (Abhi and Srikar), writing, and vocals (Marco, Tanmay, and Manas) are done themselves. Despite their success, it’s clear they have no intention of straying far from their original sound.
‘SUPERBLOOM’ is their second EP, and is a combination of brand new tracks and some released over this past year. Maintaining their signature of fuzzy production of layered instrumentals - with an emphasis on electric guitar - they sing about emotions of desperation, confusion, yearning, lust, love, and every emotion in between. Another unique aspect of their discography is the simultaneous blend in vocal and instrumental production with the diversity in concepts in the lyrics. It’s clear that every band member contributes their own perspectives to the writing, and you can see that in how every song conveys a completely new emotion, sometimes with each verse and chorus sharing different ideas.
The album begins with “I Saw Something” and “Camouflage”, two tracks released late 2024. “I Saw Something” is a strong start to the album. Beginning with a soft acoustic chord as the song transitions to an electronic beat in the second verse, the song is a great introduction to the band’s versatility. As we transition to the second track, “Camouflage”, we delve into a sadder feel.
Photo via Weston Estate
“But if we loves it, why are we falling out? / And if she hates it, what does she kiss me now? / And if she needs it, why can’t we figure it out? / I don’t know anything / Baby, I’m blind, just make a sound”
As we listen to these lyrics, we hear another catchy guitar chord peppered with layered background vocals and electronic production elements.
A highlight of the album, “GO!,” stands out in Tanmay’s vocal delivery on the chorus is one of the stand-out production moments on the album. As his vocals crescendo into the vocal overlays and instrumentals, you almost feel transported in his emotion. The chorus in this track is just one example of how much Weston Estate has grown in their musical abilities, and their keen sense of their unique sound as a band.
The catchier Pressure maintains the same themes, but is probably the most danceable song - which goes to show the band’s interest in moving towards a slower sound. Despite ‘SUPERBLOOM’ having a calming, slow feel, the band hasn’t lost their overlapping vocals and unique mixing style.
Despite the mix of older and brand new songs on ‘SUPERBLOOM,’ the album is consistent with their other EPs - shorter, more focused, and teasing us that more is coming. The past year has shown us some of Weston Estate's strongest records, and this album certainly gives us a promise of all that’s to come.
