The Sylvia Platters - “Kool Aid Blue”

Photo by Megan Lambert

From Vancouver, British Columbia, The Sylvia Platters have just released the hook-laden firecracker: “Kool Aid Blue.”

The tune begins with a quick fade-in before the entire band is suddenly present and accounted for. A moderately upbeat rhythm churns at a good clip, with wide, gritty guitar chords and a melodic, ear-worm lead soaring over the top. It is instantly captivating and much brighter than the song’s subject matter would have you believe, exploring “themes of identity, depression, and substance use,” which will, no doubt, resonate deeply with most listeners.

“Kool Aid Blue” has a bit of a vintage air about it, conjuring moments from the mid-1960s, particularly in the layered guitar work. However, it also remains firmly planted within the realm of modern music, invoking sounds that are reminiscent of artists like Wilco and even remnants of Alvvays. The vocal performance is super chill, sitting wonderfully within this particular brand of indie, with highly memorable backing layers and harmonies.

One of the reasons we could not resist “Kool Aid Blue” is in the way that it reminds us of our favorite tunes by Buffalo Springfield and The Byrds– not necessarily analogous to any particular songs, but more in the way we feel when we hear them. And as far as we’re concerned, that’s why most people listen to music in the first place, to tap into old emotions or find a means to prolong new ones.

We highly suggest rearranging your schedule in order to find three minutes and seven seconds you can devote to getting “Kool Aid Blue” into your ears. Or, better yet, round up your friends and watch the video together:

-HD