Fairechild

Fairechild were born and brought up on West Coast soul from deep inside the pockets of California culture that most only romanticize about. Their music is as warm and watery as the surf that raised them from children into young adults. While that sounds like a rather precious and idealized existence, there is nothing affected nor studied about this outfit, because they radiate the golden state's sunshine in their songs as naturally as they breathe air or drink water. Growing up with the sand, sun and surf in your backyard is one thing. Being raised on the history of California music is another. Put the two together and you get Fairechild. The moment you think that they remind you of Papa John Phillips or Fleetwood Mac, they'll do something that reminds you more of Carnival Of Light-era Ride or the Pretenders. But Fairechild's true sound comes to life when you hear the high lonesome harmonies of Randazzo and Schwartz give birth a third magical voice. The chemistry between singer/viola player Elisa Randazzo and singer/guitar player Josh Schwartz is the stuff that makes timeless recordings golden. Randazzo is the daughter of hit makers Teddy Randazzo and Victoria Pike. If you've ever heard the Zombies' version of her father's "Goin' Out Of My Head," you already know where part of her musical heart comes from. She has played and recorded with acclaimed artists such as Spiritualized, the Red Krayola and Tim Burgess of the Charlatans, just to name a few. Her partner in crime is one of the most stellar guitar players, talented songwriters and upcoming producers in the greater Los Angeles area. Schwartz cut his teeth in Further (one of only two American bands signed to Alan McGee's Creation Records) and went on to play with an early incarnation of Sub Pop recording artists Beachwood Sparks before leaving to join up with Randazzo. You may have seen his name in various album liner notes as he has played and recorded for bands like Maverick recording artists the Shore, as well as many other up-and-coming musical lights. He also opened for the Rolling Stones, playing lead guitar in Tim Burgess' band. But like many sought after musicians; Schwartz saves his best for his own outfit. With Fairechild there are no over-exaggerated trappings pigeonholing them because they don't look to the past to create something retrospective like so many indie hipster novelty acts do with their twee-pop recordings. There's no beach blanket barneys or wacky Theremins here. While the tones of this band may be rooted in the soul of vintage California, their songs will send you out to the cosmos on waves of unforgettable melodies, romantic tension and dreamlike textures that wash over you like warm point breaks.