Picture this: you’re sprinting through an airport, heart racing, caught in that chaotic blur of motion and emotion. That’s the vibe Packaging channels in their latest single, In Your Pocket, a track that feels like a boarding pass to their vibrant, introspective world. This Seattle and Denver-based indie rock duo, made up of Daniel Lyon (Spirit Award) and Daniel “Connor” Birch (Flaural), is gearing up to drop their self-titled debut album on October 10 via Share It Music/Sub Pop Records. And if In Your Pocket is any indication, this record is going to be a wild, emotional ride. Let’s dive into why this single—and this band—is already turning heads, earning praise from tastemakers like KEXP, who called their debut “gritty, inventive, and filled with emotion.”
A Sonic Road Trip with Krautrock Vibes
In Your Pocket is a masterclass in blending indie rock’s raw energy with psychedelic and electronic flourishes. The track’s hypnotic krautrock beat, crafted by collaborator James Barone (known for his work with Beach House), sets a driving pulse that feels like cruising down an open highway at dusk. Swirling synths wrap around the rhythm like a dreamy fog, pulling you deeper into the song’s emotional core. Lyon and Birch’s vocals weave together seamlessly, delivering a mix of urgency and introspection that hits you right in the chest. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to roll down the windows, crank the volume, and lose yourself in the moment.
Thematically, In Your Pocket fits into the album’s broader narrative of travel and disconnection. Each note feels like a snapshot of fleeting moments—those times when you’re physically moving but emotionally stuck. The production, also handled by Barone, is crisp yet textured, giving the track a tactile quality that mirrors the album’s concept of “packaging” life’s messy experiences into something tangible. It’s gritty yet polished, raw yet accessible, and it’s no wonder KEXP is already singing their praises.
Who Are Packaging?
Don’t let the name fool you—Packaging isn’t some jaded commentary on the music industry. Instead, Daniel Lyon and Connor Birch are all about passion and authenticity. Both artists bring their own flavor to the table: Lyon’s experience with Spirit Award adds a layer of introspective grit, while Birch’s work with Flaural infuses a psychedelic, experimental edge. Together, they’ve created a sound that’s equal parts krautrock chug, indie pop melody, and electronic grandeur, with a dash of self-aware wit thrown in for good measure.
Their debut album, Packaging, is a collaborative effort featuring heavy hitters like Luke Temple (Here We Go Magic), Ash Reiter (Sugar Candy Mountain), and Andy Rauworth (Gauntlet Hair), alongside Barone. The result is a collection of songs that feel like a journey through emotional landscapes—think restless nights, fleeting connections, and the ache of wanting something more. Tracks like Running Through The Airport capture the adrenaline of movement, while Didn’t Wanna Stay leans into woozy melancholy, and On Holiday delivers a quiet, devastating punch. It’s an album that’s as much about the spaces between moments as it is about the moments themselves.
Why In Your Pocket Stands Out
In a world where indie rock can sometimes feel formulaic, In Your Pocket stands out for its bold mix of textures and emotions. The krautrock-inspired rhythm gives it a relentless forward momentum, while the synths add a dreamy, almost otherworldly vibe. Lyrically, the song captures that restless feeling of being caught between where you are and where you want to be—a theme that resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced, disconnected world. It’s the kind of track that sticks with you, begging for repeat listens as you unpack its layers.
This single also taps into a broader trend in indie music: a return to tactile, emotionally driven songwriting. Bands like Tame Impala and MGMT have paved the way for this blend of psychedelic and electronic influences, but Packaging carves out their own niche with a raw, human edge. It’s music that feels personal yet universal, perfect for late-night drives or introspective moments.
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Final Thoughts
Packaging’s In Your Pocket is a thrilling taste of what’s to come from their debut album. With its hypnotic rhythms, swirling synths, and raw emotional core, it’s a song that captures the beauty and chaos of being human. Daniel Lyon and Connor Birch have crafted something special here, and I can’t wait to hear the rest of the record. What do you think of In Your Pocket? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s chat about this exciting new band!
