Stream: Active Child “She Was A Vision”

(from the “She Was A Vision” 7″ out now on Filter US)

After a number of critically acclaimed singles in the U.K., this 7” is the U.S. debut for Active Child, a.k.a Los Angeles’ Pat Grossi. The A-side is called “She Was a Vision”—it’s a simple song, and it’s easy to love. Grossi’s specialty is dreamy synth pop with lush atmospheric arrangements and sweeping choral vocals, and “She Was A Vision” certainly fits into this mold. Grossi participated in choirs throughout his childhood, and the influence of choral singing is very apparent. As he pleads “Don’t go,” the song threatens to break your heart—but at the same time, it’s strangely comforting. B-side “Voice Of An Old Friend,” is equally mesmerizing, but is a bit more minimalist. The vocals have a bit of a Bon Iver quality to them, with hints of Fleet Foxes and Grizzly Bear, too. Grossi’s voice is strong and powerful, carefully complimenting the delicate and frosty synths. This 7” has already sold out in the US, but Grossi has a six-song EP on Filter Magazine’s label slated for release later this year. He’ll be performing at the El Rey Theatre on March 9th with The Big Pink and at the Echo on March 27th for Aquarium Drunkard’s Waved Out Music Festival.

—Lainna Fader