Sagittarius

Sagittarius is the sound of the 1960s studio as a playground. It is music that feels incredibly expensive and meticulously crafted, characterized by shimmering vocal harmonies that seem to float just above a bed of orchestral arrangements. There is a distinct sense of 'indoor' sunshine here; it is bright and melodic, but possesses a sophisticated, slightly detached quality that comes from being a pure studio creation rather than a touring band's output.

What truly sets this project apart is the collision of commercial pop sensibilities with avant-garde experimentation. You might be listening to a perfect three-minute pop melody when suddenly the track dissolves into a musique concrete sound collage or a dense thicket of psychedelic sound effects. It is this tension between the 'perfect' pop song and the restless curiosity of the producers that gives the music its lasting, slightly eerie depth.

Newcomers should start with the album Present Tense. It is a masterclass in the sunshine pop genre, offering a blend of baroque elegance and psychedelic exploration. Listen for the way the voices are stacked and the unusual instrumental choices, like harpsichords and orchestral brass, which elevate the songs into something grander than typical radio fare of the era.