When Val Germain, vocalist and guitarist for the indie-pop outfit America’s Sweetheart, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, she continued recording through her treatment. She also left her musical sister Anastasia Kinsella a parting wish…”Finish the album”. So, alongside Godfrey Diamond (Lou Reed, Frank Sinatra,) that’s exactly what Anastasia did. While yet to be released, the new record will feature a tune called ‘Reject Beach,’ and we are honoured to share it with you today.
Through dreamy, nostalgia-laced verses, listeners are transported to the ocean, where nighttime skinny dips after long workdays offer a sense of escape. A funky, fast-paced bassline is then introduced, along with choruses of reassurance and wordless relief, all leading up to the song’s crescendo of hard-driving guitars and a rebellious anthem that feels like a cathartic and defiant release.
“Val and I grew up together in this band. She loved writing songs with me and she loved America’s Sweetheart, so she was like ‘Let’s play’!” says Anastasia. “Nothing would have happened without that, and there’s a big deafening space left by her”.
Accompanying the track is a music video inviting viewers inside the pair’s sisterhood. It’s a touching and emotional tribute to the act’s late singer, guitarist, and friend.
Serious tune alert! Enjoy ‘I.M.O.W’ on YouTube now:
