Shoelace & A Knot, the debut record from Los Angeles band Yungatita, is a tightly constructed piece of punky, bright power pop.
Fronted by multidisciplinary artist Valentina Zapata, the band evokes sounds familiar to lovers of 90s alternative and 00s indie: memorable hooks, creative tempo changes and gratifying emotional crescendos.
At times glistening and introspective, Shoelace & A Knot nevertheless keeps a satisfyingly gritty edge that emerges at the record’s most cathartic moments. It feels almost indelibly tied to youthful summers of days past; the sticky, stifling heat, the turbulence of friendships and relationships, the hopeful promise of never-ending sunny days. It’s an impressive debut from a band with an exciting future.
Words by Lindsay Riley