Indianapolis band Wishy's 2024 full-length debut may be called Triple Seven, but I'm feeling like the lucky one with their newest release, Planet Popstar. A compilation of six B-sides which didn't make the cut for last year's record, the EP is a refreshing new addition to Wishy's catalogue, continuing to mix indie pop, shoegaze and grunge to produce the most euphoric outcome. Brimming with wistful longing, it's also an essential listen for any professional yearners out there.
On the crunchy, power pop-influenced title track, the band takes longing to astronomical levels. "Planet Popstar" soars with its fuzzed-out guitars and punchy drum loops, but lands with the delivery of evocative lines like, "Book a flight to the sun / 'Cause I'd rather be burned alive / If I thought it would catch your eye." Morbid, but I get it!
The rest of the tracks are richly textured with dreamy harmonies, snappy breakbeats, twangy riffs, and contemplative lyrics. For Triple Seven outtakes, they sure do an exceptional job standing strong on their own. The EP is 22 minutes of blissful, nostalgic and radio-ready pop songs that keep things exciting with Wishy's carefree experimentations. In line with the Planet Popstar cover art, it's nothing but blue skies when these tracks are in rotation.