’Frantic Francis’ by Pine Barons weaves hypnotic sounds with dreamlike imagery and a pulsing bass line, meant to simulate waking up as a child, when everything is brand new again. But it’s not supposed to be that deep either and mentions embracing mundane things, like drinking tea.

New Jersey indie rock group first release of the year follows the band’s 2022 album I LOVE FISH, a tribute to Japanese ’90s psych-rock group Fishmans.