Bunny is the newest album from indie band Beach Fossils, composed of members Dustin, Jack, and Tommy. This release offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of lead singer Dustin Payseur’s life in recent years. Payseur covers the joys of being a father, the loss of a loved one to cancer, and the simplicity of smoking out of car windows with friends. 

Distant-sounding vocals are a consistent feature of this album that succeed in tying the album together as a singular yet unique work with each song having its own subtle pull. The lead track, “Sleeping On My Own”, starts off strong in that respect. This sets the tone with airy vocals, and lyrically is a track pressing on the tender emotions brought by the end of a relationship that is hard to let go of. With a sun-kissed, melancholic feeling created by breezy chord progressions, “Sleeping On My Own” reminds that no matter how it ended up, “I’m okay.”

In this unusually gloomy Southern California weather, I am really wishing I had the sun to keep me and this record company while cruising, windows-down, no place to be. “Run To The Moon” and “Don’t Fade Away” keep things chilled out with sounds reminiscent of 1970s easy-listening soft rock, glittering guitar, and the slightest hint of cowboy vibes. “Feel So High” may just be the shining star on the album for me, from the relatable aspect of the lyrics to the musicality of the track. I really dig the use of echo on the song, the music, and lyrics float and surround you, it almost makes me want to sit back, kick back, and let the music carry me away for a while.

The more overt emotion comes in “Numb” and “Tough Love”, accepting that the one you love isn’t who you fell in love with, and trying to start something new while still mourning something old. The overall warmth and glittery vibes on Bunny genuinely made me miss the sunny summertime drives in the desert with the windows down; the kind where you’re not necessarily reflecting on life moreso sitting with it and accepting it for what it is. 

9/10