Pulling from an array of 1960s influences, multi-instrumentalist Timothy Hines created a damn near perfect mesh between rock, garage pop, surf and psychedelia under the moniker Tropical Popsicle. After recruiting three band members, the San Diego-based outfit released a 7” and an EP in June, both on Valor Records. Glimpses of The Beach Boys' famous surf rock can be found in The Age Of Attraction EP’s sun-bleached title track, while the macabre lo-fi psychedelia of The 13th Floor Elevators mixed with The Doors' classic rock saturates tracks like “The Universe of God Shadow.” With Hines’ ability to write accessible songs that transcend genres, while staying true to DIY lo-fi recording techniques, it is no wonder Tropical Popsicle has opened for lo-fi garage poppers Times New Viking, and performed at this year’s CMJ music festival in October. My fingers are crossed for an LP release in 2012. - Katrina Nattress