painted palms’ “refractor” is ’80s bliss

The ‘80s—much like the ‘90s—are having a moment. Its contemporary iterations range from casual dabbling to full-blown, glittering immersions. Then there are those recording artists who pull influence from the synth era and mix it with psychedelics. We’ve seen it with Panda Bear and now with Painted Palms.

The San Francisco-based duo’s latest track “Refractor” is dark enough to get you feeling some type of way, but light enough to get you lit. The radiance of the chorus is dizzying. Calling it captivating is an understatement. This is one track that grips you from the very beginning with its swelling synth line.

“Refractor” comes off the duo’s forthcoming sophomore album, Horizons (out September 4 via Polyvinyl). Their debut Forever was a standout of 2014, and by the looks of it, the boys have another hit on their hands.

Catch Painted Palms on tour:

8/25 in San Diego, CA at The Merrow

8/26 in LA, CA at The Satellite

8/27 in San Francisco, CA at Rickshaw Stop

9/4 in Brooklyn, NY at Baby’s All Right

10/13 in Atlanta, GA at The Earl

10/14 in New Orleans, LA at Gasa Gasa

10/16 in Austin, TX at Red 7

10/17 in Dallas, TX at Club Dada

10/20 in Phoenix, AZ at Valley Bar

10/26 in Portland, OR at Doug Fir Lounge

10/27 in Vancouver, BC at Biltmore Cabaret

10/28 in Seattle, WA at The Crocodile

10/29 in Boise, ID at Neurolux

10/30 in Salt Lake City, UT at Urban Lounge

10/31 in Denver, CO at Larimer Lounge

11/2 in Kansas City, MO at The Tank Room

11/3 in Iowa City, IA at The Mill

11/4 in Minneapolis, MN at 7th St Entry

11/6 in Chicago, IL at Lincoln Hall

11/7 in Detroit, MI at UFO Factory

11/8 in Toronto, ON at The Garrison

11/10 in Montreal, QC at La Sala Rossa

11/11 in Burlington, VT at Signal Kitchen