The self-produced icon delivers a hazy, happy-go-lucky listen with visuals to match.
Succeeding the release of his most recent EP, CROWN OF DEATH in June, along with the announcement of “The Adventures of Oliver Francis” tour, the indie icon returns with a refreshingly easygoing sound just in time for the fall season. Since he is typically known for his self-produced exploration, Oliver Francis has no problem demonstrating his versatility. With his new single, “Tangerine Summer,” he crafts an addictively nostalgic jam, opting for relaxed kicks and box snares instead of fast hi-hats and 808s.
Oliver’s production immediately stands out as an infectious synth groove bubbles over what seems to be the crackles of a fire, or at least delicate white noise. This atmosphere is coupled with vocals that drift in and out, dueling with an equally contrasting piano. As instrumentals come together, Oliver impeccably incorporates his flow and wordplay. The tune is filled with feel-good anecdotes like, “I smiled at a girl across a stoplight / She crack a smile back at me / It’s gon’ be a good day / Baby that’s a guarantee.” The lyrics quickly transition from these happy-go-lucky routines to leaving his weed dealer’s house to meet up with “a girl I’m thinkin’ bout.” Oliver goes on to delve into the love story he shares with this particular girl, making clever allusions like, “I pull up to her crib she say come up though / When I walk in she watching JoJo,” referring to the popular anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
“Tangerine Summer” is accompanied by a completely self-produced, edited, and directed visual by Oliver. As a result, the video encompasses the appropriate ambiance as he keeps the editing minimal and relaxed. Embodying his lyrics, Oliver shows he’s just enjoying a good time with friends while exploring his love life. Most importantly, he takes the listener to a timeless place in music, where head-nodding canniness parades over complementarily cloudy instruments.
Watch the video for “Tangerine Summer” below.