Noctiluca

Fans of the late noisy punk bands Mika Miko, Talbot Tagora, and Finally Punk might be surprised to find members of those sharp-edged, angular groups in the decidedly softer, dream pop–colored trio Dunes. Though Dunes' music has a hazy, shapeless feel, that doesn't stop glittering guitar notes, warm and echoing bass, and surefooted toms and snares from taking the lead, pulling listeners along on cloudy melodies that speak to eras and sounds of the past. The early work of Lush echoes in Stephanie Chan's reverb-coated voice and the production's shimmering warmth, while the tribal swirl and guitar tones on "The Spark" and "Vertical Walk" bring Siouxsie & The Banshees to mind. Noctiluca is the L.A. trio's first full-length album after an EP and some singles. With tunes like "Red Gold" and "Lonely Palm" (which unspool tension with confidence and grace), one suspects Dunes have an interesting open road ahead.