GOOD COMPANY - CANDY CORN

When it comes to THE WALTERS, it's easier to start at the present: The Chicago-formed, LA-based indie-rock quartet are finally releasing their debut LP, GOOD COMPANY, more than a decade after forming at a DePaul University house party in 2014. In that time, they've seen the first song they ever wrote, "I Love You So," become a viral sensation, netting 2 billion streams and 10 billion TikTok views. They've played a triumphant set at their hometown Lollapalooza, broken up, reunited, signed to a major label, and gone independent again. All these experiences combine on Good Company to create a swirl of musical escapism: layers of harmonies inspired by vocal groups like The Beach Boys and The Four Tops; the richly textured, progressive-pop charm pioneered by Pet Sounds; the quiet, contemplative lyricism of folk legends like Neil Young; the swagger of more modern acts like Dr. Dog and The Strokes. It's a a genre- (and generational-) spanning set that speaks to audiences with poise and maturity, whether the band is soundtracking sun-kissed sock-hops ("Tell Me"), dialing in reverb-drenched '60s goodness ("Broken Hearts and Memories"), pounding through Billy Joel-inspired piano jaunts ("Life On The Line") or wistfully wishing for a reprieve from the rigors of modern life ("Ole Years"). Embedded in them all is a renewed sense of trust, honesty, and musical freedom - powerful weapons when placed alongside the sonic warmth that makes The Walters so immediately captivating and comforting.