How Long Can It Last

“How Long Can It Last” Jeanines
A collection of DIY twee ‘mini pop’ tunes from a Brooklyn trio led by Alicia Hyman and Jed Smith. Very short — only two songs over 2 minutes long. Throwback 60s Brit pop and folk rock sounds, updated for today. Catchy melodies underlying spare lyrics that can range from honestly introspective to love letters. Tight mix of bass, drum, guitars and vocals. Fun! RIYL: SF’s Umbrellas or Papercuts, the Softies, Ducks Ltd., or throwback jangle and Brit pop bands from the 60s.
— Francis

Recommended: 7, 8, 1, 4, 6, 11. No FCCs noted.

1. (2:02) To Fail — Melodic, bass guitar-led folky opener. Unassuming, sweet soprano vocals with rich harmonized backing in the choruses. Nice energy from the steady drumming. ****
2. (1:43) You Can’t Get It Back — Driving up-tempo pop rocker. Prominent, busy bassline. Airy harmonies in the chorus.
3. (1:36) You’ll Figure It Out — Jangly track with lighter harmonized vocals. Harks back to the folk sounds of Laurel Canyon bands such as the Byrds or Buffalo Springfield, but only with a female lead.
4. (2:16) Coaxed A Storm — Jangly and strummy, with tumbling drums and vocals rising and falling. Bright harmonies in the choruses. ****
5. (1:35) That’s What You Say — Throwback feeling reminiscent of some of the folky pop bands of the late 60s, such as Spanky and Our Gang or the Cowsills.
6. (1:30) What’s Done Is Done — Brit pop sound. Bigger with a march-like rhythm, jangly guitars and soaring vocals. ****
7. (1:33) On And On — Manic power pop. Very catchy melody with verses that build into compelling harmonies in the choruses. ****
8. (1:31) What’s Lost — Soaring melody with jangly Creedence Clearwater-like guitars and cracking drums. Vocals are almost all harmonized. ****
9. (1:40) What You Do — Up-tempo with sharp guitars and a brisk bassline.
10. (1:23) One Art — Wistful, sentimental folk pop with lyrics reflecting on times past. **
11. (1:56) Satisfied — Slightly punky, propulsive girl group pop sound. An intricate bass part and jangly guitar over rapid-fire drums. Reverbed vocals. ***
12. (1:48) How Long Can It Last — Big wall-of-sound arrangement with strummed guitar and angelic vocals. Ends unresolved.
13. (1:11) Wrong Direction — Simple, from-the-heart love song closer. Harmonized vocals throughout over jangly guitar. Bass trail-out at the end.