The pop school of Soft Science; photographed by Chantel Elder.

Swim in the autumnal waters of Soft Science's new textural tributaries that comprise Lines as they present an array of inspirational affinities. The successor to releases like Maps, Detour, Highs and Lows and more; the Sacramento group of Katie Haley, brothers Ross and Matt Levine along with partners Tony and Becky Cale orchestrate ethereal atmospheres to uplift the headspaces of our global contemporary consciousness.

Lines begins with the misty haze of “Low” that rises upward toward the sun like a specter that moves in the method of a water vapor. Soft Science kicks the tempo into second gear on the cycling spinning glide and ride of "Grip", as "Deceiver" dives into the more mysterious veiled masquerades of truths, fallacies and all the fantastical things that lie beyond. The twee pop, post-punk continuum is carried forth with melancholic mediation on "Sadness", whereas the single "Kerosene" ignites the lanterns of unlimited illuminations that brightens up the night like thousands of suns, oscillating like fireflies.

New stratospheres are ascended on the romantic "Stuck" that flies 30,000 feet and climbing with "Hands" continuing Soft Science's skyward trajectory that waves upward towards heavenly heights. The wind gazing styles breeze forward on "Zeros", striking the heart in desire of substance and foundation on the power pop ballad of "True", right before "Polar" sets the dials for the solar sphere that completes the album cycle in a barage of backwards effects, vocal stems and treated instruments that bring it all full circle. Join us after the jump as Soft Science explores just some of the passions that fuel their musical methodologies:

Soft Science presents some inspirations beyond their school of sound:

12 String Rickenbacker

A 12 string Rickenbacker (whatever model) is an endless source of inspiration. From the chime of George Harrison and the jangle of Roger McGuinn to the dreamy walls of sound of Ride and Lush, 12 string guitars, and Rickenbackers in particular, open the door to endless creativity. With their iconic look, they really are a work of art in themselves.

Coffee

Pretty much can’t function, let alone be inspired, without a good amount of coffee in the morning. I prefer fresh ground beans and using a French press, I enjoy the ritual of it. Beyond the enjoyment of drinking it, I like the fact that coffee has a myriad of health benefits. Sacramento often ranks high among the best coffee cities in the country. There are a lot of great local roasters to try, like Chocolate Fish and Temple.

Inverness, CA

My great grandparents built a small cabin in Inverness, CA back in the 1940s as a place to escape the valley’s summer heat. I’m fortunate in that it’s stayed in the family and still get the opportunity to stay there a few times a year. While actually not that far from Sacramento, it feels a million miles away. I love the cool coastal climate and exploring the streets and trails. All your problems seem a million miles away, it’s a great place to relax and recharge. An interesting side note is that Point Reyes, where Inverness is located, is the foggiest place in the United States according to the Farmer’s Almanac.

Pets

When the creativity isn’t flowing, there’s nothing like a good pet to cheer you up. A few years back my wife and I took our son to the city animal shelter with the idea of maybe getting a cat. It turns out that the cats were BOGO (buy one get one) so we ended up with two, which we were not planning for. But I’m glad we adopted both because they are best buds to this day and we love them. I used to not be a cat person, but that was before I realized that when a cat decides that you're their human it’s amazing. Also, research has shown that growing up with cats in the house significantly lowers your risk of developing allergies. Earlier this year we also got a puppy who we love too. The puppy and cats are still learning how to live together, but they’ll get there. The puppy just wants to play, who doesn’t?

Scotch Whisky

When I was younger I hated Scotch, and all hard liqueurs actually. I associated them with doing shots, which is generally never a good idea, and the burning sensation at the back of your throat. But one day I had the epiphany to try to and just sip it and everything changed. The secret to enjoying scotch is to take it slow and savor it with small sips, the slower the better. Maybe add a little water to open it up, but never add ice with a good scotch. Scotch is just whisky from Scotland and there actually is a good deal of variety to try. If you don’t like the forward peat of an Islay, try a nice Speyside. The word whisky literally means water of life in Scottish Gaelic, note that in Ireland it’s spelled whiskey. A nice dram to end the day is a great way to reward yourself after coming up with something you actually like.

Soft Science’s album Lines is available now via Shelflife Records (stateside), Spinout Nuggets (UK) & Fastcut Records (Japan).

The textural textbook of Soft Science