Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer created Generationals in 2008 after The Eames Era, an indie pop band, came to an end. The New Orleans-based indie pop draws inspiration from 1950s, ’60s, and ‘70s rock and pop. Their music is a blend of various genres such as British Invasion, 1950s doo-wop, and California-dreaming jangle, all through the lens of indie-rock. Synthesizers and programmed percussion are a part of their signature sound that they describe as “sugar pop psychedelia.” If you’re a fan of Dr. Dog, Real Estate, or Tennis they’re up your alley.

The two have been friends since High School, where they discovered a shared affinity for the timeless soundscapes of the past. Drawing inspiration from the melodic bliss of 1960s pop, the soulful groove of Motown, and the lo-fi aesthetics of indie rock, they set out to create music that would pay homage to their influences while forging a path all their own.

Their debut album, Con Law, released in 2009, get’s Generationals some attention in the indie scene. It serves as an impressive introduction to their indie-pop sound. The album features a collection of catchy and infectious tracks that showcase the band’s knack for crafting memorable melodies. With its blend of upbeat rhythms, jangly guitars, and layered harmonies the album was a hit. It captivated audiences with its blend of lo-fi recording techniques and catchy melodies. 

Building on the success of their debut, Generationals continued to evolve and expand their sonic palette with their sophomore LP, Actor-Caster. Released in 2011, the album showcased their growth as songwriters, while retaining the undeniable charm. Tracks like “Ten-Twenty-Ten” and “Greenleaf” demonstrated their knack for crafting catchy, guitar-driven pop gems.

Generationals embarked on a journey of exploration and experimentation with their third album, Heza, released in 2013. The duo pushed the boundaries of their sound even further. Infusing a more electronic and dance-oriented vibe, the album revealed a new side of Generationals’. Songs like “Spinoza” and “Extra Free Year” showcased their ability to meld vintage sounds with contemporary production, creating songs that are both familiar and refreshingly innovative.

With each release, Generationals refine their craft and surprise their audience. Alix, their fourth album released in 2014, marked another milestone in their musical journey. Seamlessly blending lo-fi recording techniques with polished production, the album delivered a captivating sonic experience. Tracks like “Gold Silver Diamond” and “Black Lemon” demonstrated their ability to infuse their music with a shimmering nostalgia, while maintaining an undeniably modern edge.

Generationals’ music transcends genres, shimmering with the influences of the British Invasion, Stax soul, Wall of Sound production, 1950s doo-wop, and the California-dreaming jangle. Filtering these diverse elements through a contemporary indie-rock lens, they have crafted a distinctive sound that is uniquely their own. Their clever fusion of past and present creates a sonic palette that evokes a sense of wistful familiarity, while still managing to sound fresh and relevant.

Generationals is back with their fifth album, Heatherhead is set to be their best album yet, and is the epitome of their sound. The new album is the result of starting over after they discarded previous recording sessions that sounded great but lacked the genuine excitement and authenticity they were looking for. Once they started anew they found a better understanding of their identity and sound than ever before.  

These 11 songs are an authentic approach to Generationals’ style that they were looking for. The songs feature powerful guitar riffs that provide a sturdy foundation for the band’s vulnerable and introspective lyrics. Joyner and Widmer delve further into the juxtaposition that has made Generationals music so captivating: being distinct yet familiar, clever yet inviting, gentle yet impactful. Heatherhead feels like the culmination of the record that Joyner and Widmer have been striving for since the beginning. The songwriting is conversational, like catching up with a friend after a while. 

The album is immersive and filled with crafty details, each song has its own unique qualities, from enchanting collaborations to muted funk and dynamic shifts. Despite being a band well into their second decade as a band, Generationals resisted the temptation to chase trends or compromise their artistic vision. They have a clear understanding of who they want to be and how they want to sound, as evident in every second of Heatherhead. The album shows the perpetually renewing relationship between Joyner and Widmer.

Listen to the new album below: