Photo Credit: Tamara Lichtenstein

Simply by virtue of the fact that it’s both a debut and concept album, Wide Awake, the first release from Philadelphia’s Arches, is truly a bold first move and well-deserving of critical acclaim. Throughout the release, Arches deliver a sweet spot between grooving darkness and sparkling lightness that will inevitably draw some comparisons to the psych-stylings of The Morning Benders. The album’s lead-off single, “This Isn’t A Good Night For Walking”, feels distant and airy but has the instrumental confidence to boldly stand on its own. Think you’d enjoy what an acid-dosed Grizzly Bear might sound like after retreating into a cave for winter hibernation? If yes, then turn your ears toward Arches.