Worthitpurchase - Truthtelling (2022)

Worthitpurchase are the trio of Nicole Rowe, Omar Akrouche and Eric Van Thyne. Their experimental electro-pop sound (think The Microphones, mingled with the smallest amount of Postal Service) is quite compelling throughout on their sophomore LP, Truthtelling.

In the two years since the release of their excellent debut album, Dizzy Age, Los Angeles-based art-pop outfit Worthitpurchase have been quietly working on their next effort, releasing a few gorgeous singles along the way, including “Calendar Talk” and “Inbetween.” While putting together their next album, the duo of Nicole Rowe and Omar Akrouche welcomed a third member, Eric Van Thyne, into the fold - thus, adding another critical piece to their ever-expanding stylistic palette. Last week, they shared “Anne Hedonic,” the third single from their forthcoming sophomore full-length, Truthtelling. It’s a song that sees the young trio busting out some new tricks, while still incorporating the sonic elements that made their debut so impactful.

Rowe and Akrouche are studio wizards, cutting their teeth at San Francisco’s legendary Tiny Telephone Studios, and their expertise shines on “Anne Hedonic.” The way the sharp beat drops to kick things off makes it seems like they’re going in a different direction, but they ultimately settle into their bread and butter. That harder-hitting, pointed beat remains a focal point throughout, but it’s surrounded by airier complementary flourishes, like light acoustic guitar strums, Rowe’s supple vocal stylings, and strategically placed synths that build the song’s atmosphere.