Last year, the Los Angeles-based alt-pop group Junior Varsity earned a spot as a Band To Watch. Since that time, the project has evolved, paring down to a core duo consisting of singer-songwriter-producers Greg Aram and Zach Michel. With singer Brooke Danaher no longer part of the lineup, the remaining members have continued to refine their signature sound, culminating in the release of their latest EP, Ready.
The project follows the release of their recent single, “Radio,” which serves as a centerpiece for the new collection. Across the EP, the duo demonstrates a knack for blending the propulsive, sparkly production of 2010s pop with the nostalgic sensibilities of 2000s indie-pop. The result is a professional, immaculate sheen that feels both contemporary and reverent to the past.
A key element of the EP’s success is its vocal versatility. Despite the change in the band’s structure, the appealing guy-girl vocal dynamic remains a staple of their sound, bolstered by a series of guest appearances. The project features contributions from artists including Oxis, Lola Blue, the Teenagers, and Unflirt, all of whom help flesh out the EP’s dynamic, hook-driven arrangements.
Ready is currently being billed as “Side A,” suggesting that fans can expect a follow-up installment later this year. For now, the duo has provided a concise, high-energy introduction to this new chapter of their career.
Ready is out now via Key.
