Although this album was created amid the turmoil and uncertainty surrounding the massive 2025 Los Angeles fire and President Trump’s reelection, ironically, I personally sensed a wonderfully rich evolution and transformation in it. “Stratford & 52” (sample_1) and “Mandarin Moon” (sample_2) feature arrangements and riffs that exude the influence of Todd Rundgren and Steely Dan—they’re absolutely fantastic. The album also features the signature pop tracks of Pearl & The Oysters, such as the sparkling, dreamy “Portopia ~ Mermaid Parade” (sample_3) and “Shinkansen,” which is heavily influenced by YMO. Featuring producer Jonathan Rado—who specializes in creating nostalgic sounds—and a group of LA musicians, the album was produced using tape recording and minimal overdubs.
(AYAM)

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The new album *Monkey Mind* by the French-American duo Pearl & The Oysters. The album was produced by Jonathan Rado, who has worked with artists such as Weyes Blood, Miley Cyrus, Father John Misty, The Lemon Twigs, and Foxygen.
While the album appears bright and cheerful on the surface, it was actually created amid the emotional turmoil caused by the devastating wildfires that struck Los Angeles in 2025 and the inauguration of President Trump’s second term.
The title *Monkey Mind* derives from a Buddhist concept describing a restless, wandering mind that endlessly repeats the same thoughts. The duo wrote the album in just a few weeks while confronting their own “monkey minds.” They used music as a means to acknowledge and process their anxiety and worries.
For many years, Pearl & The Oysters have built a meticulous and unique musical world through home recording. This time, however, they teamed up with producer Jonathan Rado and adopted a method of recording directly to tape. They kept overdubbing (the process of layering sounds) to a minimum and recorded alongside close musician friends based in Los Angeles.
The result is an album that is more relaxed and grounded than any of their previous works, one that cherishes “the here and now.”