Following up on recent releases “Now or Never” and “Say What You Want”, local queer indie-pop group shallow pools are back — just in time for warm-weather jam season — with new single “IHYK.” Released this past Friday (April 28) via Equal Vision Records, “IHYK” reflects on the importance of support systems and social circles, and slots in nicely as the soundtrack to Memorial Day barbecues and weekend beach trips as we hold close the people in our lives that we cherish the most.
“IHYK” opens with a far-reaching list of instances in which vocalist Glynnis Brennan has turned to others for support. Toward the end of the song, the titular acronym, short for “I Hope You Know,” becomes clear as Brennan lists all the things she hopes her closest confidantes understand — namely, that “no one comes close to you.” In good times and bad, through light and dark, our friends, family, and other various loved ones are always there; the song serves as a much-needed feel good reminder of the value of human connection.
“Whether we’re feeling anxious, lonely or depressed, we always know they’ll be there for us,” shallow pools say. “‘IHYK’ is our way of showing how much we appreciate the love and support of those close to us.”
Infectious and relatable, the proclamations of love and appreciation for relationships of all types flow smoothly with the instrumentals. The band builds in this single on the sound they’ve developed on previous releases, including 2021’s headspace EP. The prominent pop-rock guitar element that is all but a signature style of shallow pools is accented by brain-scratching synth lines and percussion. Compared to “Now or Never,” which was co-written with LGBTQ+ trailblazer Lynn Gunn of PVRIS, “IHYK” is less rock-oriented and more pop, but never strays too far from the style shallow pools know best.
“IHYK” also arrives with a music video filmed and edited by Dana Verdecchio; check out both the stream and the visual below, and catch shallow pools live this summer at In Between Days festival in Quincy.
***