Photo by Brandon Wesley McClain
SALES made me my first music friend here in Seattle. I was, admittedly, embarrassing given the public setting, humming the intro of one of their singles, and someone next to me shot me a smile and said “Chinese New Year”? It was friendship at first chord.
Longtime friends and musical partners Lauren Morgan and Jordan Shih, who make up the indie-pop duo SALES, are a long way from home so give these Florida natives a warm welcome at Neumos on November 30th.
SALES’ daydream-pop sound is strictly DIY. Each album has an intimate feel—the duo actually self-released their 2016 LP and a few singles prior. Even more impressive? Both the 2016 LP & the 2014 EP were recorded in a studio apartment, and the LP was produced, mixed, and mastered exclusively by SALES. The duo claims small scene cred with their music made “as-is” approach (meaning they are creating with limitations, but creating nonetheless).
The personal aspect of their music can be heard in quirky, relatable lyrics, punchy chorus pedals and generally upbeat tunes. As stated on their bandcamp, SALES was born from the bond of music and friendship, and they “invite you into that bond with arms wide open.” Showing love for DIY scene musicians, SALES has invited local Seattle bands Chaos Chaos (indie electro-pop) and the Washboard Abs (lo-fi/garage rock) to open up the show.
If you like Gus Dapperton, Molly Burch, TV Girl, and/or Alvvays, you might enjoy the wistful musings of SALES. My personal favorite tracks are “Vow”, “Chinese New Year”, both released prior to the LP as singles and part of the 2013 EP, and “Sorry Bro”, a track off the previously mentioned 2016 SALES LP. Soft vocals and bubblegum sweet electro-pop beats make for a pleasant listening experience. Spurts of programmed drums and awkward samples seem at home with Morgan’s carefree crooning. Add into the mix a knack for experimentation and you have a smile inducing sound that is SALES.
The duo’s most recent release is “Talk a Lot”, a head-bobbing tune with a jangling guitar and back and forth percussive patterns. Morgan’s sluggish vocal style matches the matter of fact lyrics: “Free me of that bulls**t. Your friends they seem to talk a lot. You know I’m not that type.” If this track is representative of what’s next for SALES, I’m excited to hear more guitar reliant, alt-rock experimentation from the duo.
SALES will be at Neumos Thursday, November 30th. Chaos Chaos and The Washboard Abs open the show. Tickets are available now online, $16 advance and $18 at the door. Keep up with SALES on Instagram, Twitter, and Soundcloud.
MADELINE THOMAS | Humming in public somewhere | KXSU Music Reporter