Emerging from the sun-dappled seclusion of a San Francisco garage, the collaborative alchemy of Morgan Stanley (The Umbrellas / The Telephone Numbers), Emily Golemon-Mercer, and Sequoia Plett (both of The Snogs), arrives fully realized on their debut offering. The Kitchenettes possess a rare ability to synthesize the skeletal charm of early independent pop into something that feels immediate rather than merely archival. Their latest three-song 7”, ‘Sunday Best,’ functions as a sophisticated dialogue between the past and the present, capturing a specific warmth that avoids the sterility of modern digital production.
The title track, “Sunday Best,” serves as a definitive statement of intent. It carries the effortless gait of a group that understands the power of restraint. The vocal interplay, a hallmark of their intuitive songwriting process, evokes the storied lineage of girl groups while remaining firmly rooted in the DIY ethos. There is an inherent sincerity here; the song manages to be both structurally disciplined and emotionally expansive, avoiding common tropes in favor of a genuine, lived-in melodicism.
Transitions in mood are handled with a lightness of touch that belies the complexity of the arrangements. On “Mood Ring,” the trio leans into a shifting chromaticism that highlights their range. The production, captured by Thomas Rubenstein at the Nez Cave and polished through the mixing of Andy Pastalaniec, preserves the organic textures of the instruments. The result is a sound that breathes, allowing the listener to inhabit the space alongside the performers.
The record finds its most delicate expression in “Hummingbird”, where the core trio is augmented by the elegant contributions of K. Dylan Edrich on violin. The addition of strings provides a sweeping counterpoint to the band’s patchwork pop foundations, elevating the track into a sphere of pastoral beauty. It is a testament to their vision that such a distinct element integrates so seamlessly into their established sonic identity.
‘Sunday Best’ is more than a simple successor to their 2024 demo tape; it is a graduation into a more permanent and resonant form of expression. By refining influences into their own idiosyncratic language, The Kitchenettes have crafted a release that feels essential. It is a work of quiet confidence, proving that the most profound musical statements often come from the most unassuming origins.
To learn more or to have a listen, please visit Bandcamp | Slumberland Records (U.S.) | Meritorio Records (Europe) | Galaxy Train.
