On Psychopomp, the debut full-length for Japanese Breakfast, Michelle Zauner romanticizes need, knowing precisely how futile it can be, as she howls on the record's final song, to “cling to your sleeves 'til they're like lacerated sails.” Psychopomp unspools with an otherworldly rush— it's sky-sized dream-pop with substance, moving from the gorgeous euphoric rush of “In Heaven” through the pinwheeling “Rugged Country” and “Everybody Wants to Love You,” into the painful longing of “Jane Cum” and “Heft,” and the relief of “Triple 7.” Imagine Bat for Lashes or Tango in the Night-era Christine McVie working in the New York indie-pop scene populated by the likes of Frankie Cosmos and Porches.
Released in America in March by Maryland indie Yellow K, Psychopomp has become one of the year's most beloved indie-pop records, receiving plaudits from the likes of Pitchfork and NPR. In August, Dead Oceans will release it properly in Europe, with Michelle making her debut UK live appearances to coincide.