From the very first moment I discovered St. Lucia back in 2012, I knew they were going to hold a special place in my heart. Not only have they tugged on the heartstrings of fans around the world, but they have become one of the top indie-pop bands other artists list as one of their top influences.
In this current climate, bands like St. Lucia are so crucial to keep around in order to find relief in a world gone mad. When everyone seems to be coming for blood, it’s comforting to know that there is a band out there specializing in good vibes while also sharing their own narrative of the world they see through song. But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, as the band so poignantly demonstrates that the word ‘pop’ doesn’t have to have a dirty connotation synonymous with ‘mindless.’
Frontman Jean-Philip Grobler could have recruited the industry’s top hitmakers to help co-write the band’s third release, Hyperion, but after some pondering, soul-searching, and a bit of solitary creativity, he emerged from that “trendy” mindset, only following his own heart and vision. “I thought a lot about what kind of message I want to send to my kid,” he reflects. “In many ways, the things we create as individuals have nothing to do with what other people are creating, or trends.”
Hyperion, out now via Columbia Records, is by far their best record yet, incorporating everything that previously made St. Lucia stand out while adding in new elements not yet discovered to be treasured. Inspired by Greek mythology, the title of Hyperion – representing light, wisdom, and watchfulness – was aptly chosen, making this record feel like a place to get lost and feel safe in; an experience within itself. Lyrically, the record delves into more hard-hitting topics than When The Night and Matter combined, proving that there was always more brimming beneath the surface of their tropical paradise all along.
On Hyperion, St. Lucia just wants you to feel something, but they also want to make sure you’re feeling good. In opener, “Bigger,” Grobler explores the unknown territory of a different kind of love and astonishment from his son Indy, penning, “Your heart is bigger than they say for sure / No, your heart will never entertain their minds.” Though it may have been written for a child, there’s no denying the confidence boost “Bigger” brings no matter what age you are.
First single, “A Brighter Love,” opens the dialog of accepting real, undiluted love into your life, as opposed to the current culture of instant gratification/what comes easy and pain free while dousing listeners with a throwback feel to their 2012 self-titled EP. The unexpected “Paradise Is Waiting” brings us back to the notion of this record being more of a place – or paradise – within ourselves.
I don’t think fans were expecting so many Prince vibes on this record, but “Walking Away” is by far going to be the top track that gets fans pumped during the band’s upcoming tour. Not to mention how it’s impossible to not want to play some air-synth whenever it comes on. Guilty!
For those worried that the band left their synthpop past behind, have no fear! The synths are alive and well and even better than ever! Tracks like “Tokyo,” “Last Dance,” the 80’s-inspired Tears For Fears-esque “Gun,” and album highlight “China Shop” (Passion Pit vibes, anyone?) will have you floating while “Full Moon Rising,” “Next To You,” and album closer “You Should Know Better” mellow things out for a bit, showcasing the band’s diversity, tenacity, and ability to explore new paths.
Once again, St. Lucia have proved why they’ve been such a driving force within the indie-pop community for the past six years and will continue to do so for years to come. Hyperion lifts you up on a neon-colored cloud away from all the bullshit. After all, isn’t that what music is supposed to be about?
Hyperion is available now here.
