Without knowing that Laena Geronimo of Raw Geronimo was previously of LA girlpop group The Like, you might still have some suspicions. Not missing out on overtly crisp pop abundance or leaving tambourines and handclaps in the hands of elementary school classrooms, Raw Geronimo is a project that has its origins in blissful abundance. While The Like were more taken with 60s and 70s melodies, Raw Geronimo takes a hint of that, adds a sprig of Marnie Stern's signature noodle-shred, a dash of Dirty Projectors alt-pop nuance, and is sung through a blaze of Kate Bush dominance. The project, which is equal parts male and female band members, may come from Laena's last name, but that's its only truism—through the washes of exuberance and spirit, there is never a raw moment. Just full-on garagepop that breaks through the packaging.
Raw Geronimo's Dream Fever is out now on Neurotic Yell Records. The group has a short last-minute West Coast tour happening now, dates for which are pictured below.
