Based out of Austin, Texas, electro-pop artist Corduroi has created an understated debut that runs like one giant song. It dazzles when need be (“Crustacean”), but more often than not it’s in retreat, and full of somber nostalgia (“Like Gentle Giants”). Interestingly enough, Cody Wilson named the project “Corduroi” after his favorite childhood book, which makes perfect sense. The innocent years of childhood are a main focus; however, Wilson’s mature song-writing does the album plenty good as well.

With every listen, this overtly “happy” record turns shades darker. Synthesisers sound more meloncholy, and vocal samples more ghostly. The joyful record you first heard starts to sound like a fading memory of something joyful. Without a doubt, the most compelling track is “My Dear,” which closes the album on an optimistic note. A catchy and warm synth loop carries the song throughout, with layers of lucidly tweaked sampling stacked on top. Simple, but drenched in mood, much like the previous five songs.

Even if it’s only instrumental, Anything For Now has more to say than much of the indie music  put out this year. Listen to it a few times and you’ll see what I mean. For fans of Gold Panda and M83.

(Mush Records, no address provided)