Los Angeles dream rock artist Polartropica joined forces with Americana musician Gilbert Louie Ray to deliver their collaborative single “Shiny Things”. The track draws inspiration from the cinematic melodies of John Denver and the classic vocal harmonies of the Everly Brothers. Gilbert Louie Ray provides the foundational banjo and acoustic guitar work while Brandon Graham contributes surfy electric guitars in addition to handling the engineering and mixing duties. This release explores the difficult process of letting go after a period of romantic heartbreak. The music functions as a sonic homecoming centered on themes of forgiveness and personal growth.
The accompanying music video presents a swashbuckling pirate adventure filmed at the Salton Sea under the direction of Tristan Pelletier. This cinematic visual follows a legendary pirate facing the absurdity of receiving a parking ticket on her ship in the middle of the desert. Polartropica previously earned recognition as the Best Indie Pop Band by LA Weekly and recently became a member of the Recording Academy. Her history of high profile performances includes headlining slots at the Troubadour and opening for Poppy at The Novo. This new collaboration seamlessly merges ethereal synth psychedelia with traditional folk instrumentation.
The songwriting on this single reflects a deep appreciation for the melodic structures Polartropica heard during her youth. Every layer of the arrangement feels intentional and vibrates with a warm sense of understanding. Beyond her independent releases, the artist recently contributed music to projects for Blumhouse and A24. This specific track serves as a testament to her ability to bridge disparate genres while maintaining a cohesive emotional narrative. The vocal interplay between the two leads provides a comforting and resonant experience for the listener.
This record is an absolutely shimmering example of modern pop craftsmanship. The detailed production allows the delicate banjo pickings to sit comfortably alongside modern synth textures. As the track progresses, the listener experiences a palpable sense of relief and acceptance that mirrors the lyrical journey. Polartropica continues to solidify her reputation as a vital voice in the Southern California music scene through these authentic creative partnerships. The song leaves a lasting impression through its honest depiction of moving forward.