Acrylics: The Indie Rock Innovators
Acrylics is an American indie rock band known for their atmospheric sound and melodic songcraft. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the group gained significant attention with their 2011 debut album, which received critical acclaim from major music publications.
Early career
The band formed in 2008, emerging from the vibrant and competitive Brooklyn DIY music scene. Founding members Jason Klauber and Molly Shea began crafting their signature blend of dreamy guitar textures and driving rhythms, quickly developing a local following.
Their early self-released EPs, including the 2009 offering All of the Fire, captured the attention of independent label Terrible Records. This early partnership helped refine their studio sound and set the stage for a more substantial release.
Breakthrough
Acrylics' breakthrough arrived in 2011 with the release of their debut full-length album, Lives and Treasure, on Terrible Records. The album was met with positive reviews, with Pitchfork highlighting its "lush, carefully arranged pop" and NPR featuring the band on their airwaves.
While not achieving mainstream chart positions, the record solidified their place within the indie rock landscape. Its success was built on steady critical support and growing fan engagement through touring and online radio play.
Key tracks
Molly's Vertigo — This standout single from their debut album became a staple on college radio and defined their early ethereal rock sound.
All of the Fire — The title track from their early EP showcased the band's ability to merge infectious melodies with a more urgent, rhythmic drive.
Words Are Gone — A later track that demonstrated the group's evolution towards a more expansive and synth-tinged musical approach.
Mercy — This song highlighted the compelling vocal interplay between Klauber and Shea, a central feature of the Acrylics aesthetic.
Following their debut, Acrylics continued to perform and write, though further album releases were sporadic. The members also engaged in various collaborations and side projects within the New York indie scene, contributing to productions for other artists on their label.
Listeners who enjoy the textured indie rock of Acrylics often appreciate the work of similar artists. Discover Beach Fossils for their own brand of hazy, melodic Brooklyn indie. The dream-pop sensibilities of Widowspeak share a similar atmospheric quality. Fans might also explore the earlier work of The Radio Dept, known for their influential shoegaze-inspired pop sound.
The music of Acrylics maintains a steady presence on radio stations featured on this website. Their tracks are regularly featured in the rotations of independent music radio stations and specialty online rock radio streams that focus on underground and critical darlings of the 2010s indie rock wave.
You can hear the distinctive indie rock of Acrylics on various radio stations available through onairium.com. Listeners can discover their catalog, from early EPs to their defining debut album, by tuning into the alternative and indie-focused stations we feature.
