It seems like just yesterday we were hyping The Candescents here on Columbus Calling but, as it turns out, is was over a decade ago!!! While I had all the hope in the world that this young band was going to put Columbus on the map – and they came damn close (a friend of mine who works for a large artist management company even flew to Columbus to catch the band on a Tuesday night), signing a deal with Dirty Hit Records (the 1975, Wolf Alice, Pale Waves) – things didn’t go as planned and the band broke up sometime around 2019.
Miguel Acero, The Candescents drummer, has been keeping busy since the band’s demise, writing and recording his own material as both a frontman and guitarist under the band name Superluck. The first Superluck track, “Up Goes the Sky,” dropped last August and gave listeners an idea of Acero’s indie-pop sound with J. Mascis-style guitars. And now, nearly half a year later, Superluck has released a second song, “Forgetful.” It’s a great follow up, Acero’s vocals are subtle, they swim in a shimmering gaze alongside some fuzzy, shoegazey guitars. Strip out – or replace – the vocals, and this could be a Momma song (coincidentally, I ran into Acero at Rumba Cafe in 2023 at a Momma show where, I believe, he told me about Superluck for the first time).
I asked Acero for some info about the song and future plans:
Forgetful is part of a self-produced EP that I recorded last year. Part of the idea was seeing what was possible to achieve DIY, so aside from drums, everything was recorded at home. The sound palette is very influenced by shoegaze and alternative rock in general, but the songwriting is definitely pop-minded. The full EP is dropping this Spring, and we’re working on putting together a small run of shows to take Superluck on the road outside of Ohio, but also plan to stay active in Columbus throughout the year.
As sad as I was to learn of The Candescents demise, I’m excited about what’s to come from Superluck and that starts Friday night when the band plays a “Forgetful” release party at the recently re-opened Rambling House. This is an early show – doors at 5pm, music at 6. Blue Veraline opens. You can pick up a ticket in advance (just $5) or at the door.
Keep informed about new music and shows by going to superluckband.com
