From the warm south-east beaches near Tallahassee, Florida, comes the Holiday Shores, and no, this is not an advertisement for a cheap beach side surf-n-sleep. New Masses for Squaw Peak is the 3rd official release, 2nd long player, from a band whose sunburned synths are hot to the touch and warm to the ear, or at least they are for the first two tracks on the album.

‘Airglow’ is simply a brilliant track featuring an off kilter keyboard motif, lo-fi drum sounds and gorgeous cavernous vocals. Not to be out done, ‘We Couldn’t Be Together’, has elements of Baltimore standouts Beach House with a cascading melody that is a little on the downer side, but unbelievably catchy. The start to this album is an addicting affair and, truth be told, moving past the first two tracks has proved difficult (a feat that was not accomplished for about three days). The initial experience leaves you somewhat breathless, similar to the response from a panoramic view of an impressive landscape, only this image is formed from the sonic bits that conglomerate in your mind’s eye. It is quickly apparent why the album title is what it is; Squaw Peak is a well known and often traversed trail in the hills of Phoenix. The mood of the album is warm, bright, sunny and full of enthusiasm inspired by what the start of a glorious hike should feel like. In hiking vernacular, “a sting in the tail” is a phrase that is often used to explain the unpredictable finish or a climb that is suddenly harder than the guide map suggests.

The sting in the tail with New Masses for Squaw Peak occurs with the remainder of the album which wrestles between ambient Eno-esque latitudes and an upbeat beach-pop with demented synths and a quasi jazz guitar. There definitely are some good moments often provided by the looped flute simulations and other interesting accompaniment, and the sound remains open and inviting even with deranged casio keyboards floating about. Ultimately, there is nothing that comes close to dethroning the opening 9 minutes or so. Why buy the album you ask? If their past releases are any indication, Holiday Shores will work on your subconscious until New Masses for Squaw Peak grows on you. In the meantime, there are some most excellent tracks to keep you company while you digest the rest.