Coming all the way from Fargo, North Dakota, the lovely folks of Secret Cities play at Berbati’s tonight, coming close to the end of their very long tour of the US. Their record Pink Graffiti is pretty much wonderful in every way—just don’t confuse it with anything by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti. (Seriously, Pink Graffiti has come up a bunch of times in my iTunes and I make that mistake every time.) Still, confusing album title notwithstanding, and a somewhat generic band name alsonotwithstanding, Secret Cities make wonderful, blissed-out pop in the vein of Brian Wilson and his many disciples. In fact, the song below, “Boyfriends,” mentions the man by name. It’s an example of the great tunes contained on the album (out now on Western Vinyl); the closest thing I can think to compare it to is another overlooked band with a somewhat forgettable name, the excellent Miracle Fortress, who released a splendid album, toured once and opened a show at the Crystal, were totally great, and have kept quiet since.
Secret Cities’ origin comes from two friends who lived on opposite ends of the state of North Dakota, but met at band camp and mailed tapes back and forth to each other. One of the splendid things about Pink Graffiti is the decidedly homespun sound, with a few odd overdubs and takes that keep everything loose. Take a listen, and check out the show tonight.
LISTEN:
Secret Cities – “Boyfriends”
TONIGHT: Secret Cities w/Housefire and Wishyunu (Secret Cities play second); Berbati’s Pan, 10 SW 3rd, 9 pm, $8, all ages