Coming out of the small seaside town of Inverkip, Scotland, sisters Grace and Eva Tedeschi have delivered a shot of pure melodic adrenaline with their debut self-titled LP. Released via the taste-making heights of Skep Wax and Slumberland, The Cords is a masterclass in jangle-pop that feels like a sunbeam cutting through a cloudy West Coast afternoon. While the headlines of the world might feel heavy and fractured, this record acts as a vibrant counter-spell—a reminder that there is still immense joy to be found in a Fender Jazzmaster’s chime and a perfectly locked-in vocal harmony.
The chemistry between Grace and Eva is the beating heart of this release. There is a specific, almost telepathic magic to sibling harmonies, and they wield it here with a sophistication that completely surpasses their years. You can hear the spirited DNA of The Primitives and Heavenly in their upbeat energy. Still, there’s also a lushness and a modern “wall of sound” quality reminiscent of Alvvays, The Umbrellas, and even a hint of Lush. It is music that feels lived-in and loved, capturing the sheer fun of two people discovering their collective power in a rehearsal room. Three tracks, in particular, serve as the perfect entry points into their world: “Fabulist” and “Just Don’t Know (How To Be You)” the two opening tracks that are a masterclass in tension and release, capturing that quintessential jangle-pop yearning, while “Rather Not Say” leans into ethereal textures with a punchy, driving rhythm and top-tier vocal interplay.
Writing this review felt just as spirited as the music, thanks in large part to the atmosphere at Blackbird Bar, one of my absolute favorite bars here in Milwaukee. I was knocking back quite a few Hamm’s while putting these thoughts to paper, and I have to give a massive shout-out to Brad, my third favorite bartender in the city, for keeping the brews coming while I dived into these tracks. Ultimately, The Cords is a defiant celebration; it’s a record that acknowledges the world outside might be messy, but chooses to build a better one inside the speakers. It’s bright, it’s fuzzy in all the right places, and it’s a stunning debut that proves the future of Scottish indie is in very capable hands. Another one of my favorite albums to come out in 2025.
Links of interest:
https://thecordsband.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/the.cords_band
https://slumberlandrecords.com