Label: Synapse Films

Reissued 2023, Originally released 1985

LA's SMOKESCREENS began as a couple of pals (Chris Rosi from PLATEAUS, Corey Cunningham from TERRY MALTS) paying tribute to the seminal 80s sounds of New Zealand's Flying Nun label and has grown to be so much more. Since their self-titled 2017 the band has expanded to a four piece and honed their tunes with constant SoCal gigging. Their new album "Used To Yesterday" continues Smokescreen's zeal for New Zealand pop but also incorporates influences from the more melodic side of MESSTHETICS-era DIY pop and expands into classic indie pop territory, a natural fit for the Slumberland Records roster. From the NZ-meets-Athens GA first single "The Lost Song" through the 12-string driven "Waiting For The Summer" to the Paisley Underground-tinged closer "Falling Down," SMOKESCEENS really excel in the quality of their songwriting and their ability to incorporate a disparate set of influences while still forging their own sound and identity.