The only thing cooler than being pleasantly surprised by a new band's debut album is being pleasantly surprised when its second album turns out to be even better. 2024's Splash Hit was a seemingly out-of-nowhere hit for Philadelphia-based foursome Log Flume. It had scrappy indie charm in spades, but it built its foundation on the timeless art of melody-driven guitar pop. And there was something immediately likeable about the band that was hard to put into words (beyond the band name bringing up cherished childhood memories!). Had Log Flume gone back to the same script on its sophomore release, I would have been perfectly happy. But Go Where The Money Goes finds the band taking a big leap forward, and it does so without losing the qualities that made its predecessor so great. That likability is still undeniable, and again the songwriting is super-lean (with not a single track reaching three minutes). But the band has come into its own in ways that were only hinted at last time. If well-crafted guitar pop is something you live for, this album needs to be on your must-hear list.
While Log Flume is still working that indie power pop territory on album #2, its influences run deeper and its sound is more elegant and refined. From the jump, "Dynamic" makes it clear that infectious pop hooks remain this band's calling card. But it's on track two, "Far from You," that the progression really becomes evident. At this point Log Flume sound less like promising up-and-comers and more like established masters of their craft. It's evident that they've become more accomplished songwriters and musicians and have have fully blossomed as a band. "Necessary Evil" is a gorgeous, sophisticated slice of mature power pop. "Got This Feeling" brings a more delicate, laidback touch yet still sounds fully realized in only two minutes. "Up By 9 O'Clock" is full-on psychedelic pop that channels the '60s by way of '80s indie rock. "Misery" is jangly indie pop done to perfection. It wakes up echoes of the '80s and '90s yet still sounds like music of now. Elsewhere, "Anything" finds the band exploring its punkier side with full energy and exuberance. "Every Single Day" brings back some of that early Weezer energy from the last album but doesn't seem like a rehash. Album closer "Follow You Around" is a particular highlight, and it encapsulates everything I love about this record. It's at once a progression from the band's earlier work and a reminder of why I came to love this group in the first place. It's two minutes of pure, perfect pop.
When I heard that Log Flume had a new album coming out, I was excited to hear it. I knew it would be good. But did I expect it to be this good? Probably not. It's impressive that the band has figured out how to give its songs more room to breathe without making them longer. Compared to Splash Hit, Go Where The Money Goes comes off more as more painstakingly crafted and certainly more meticulously produced (kudos to Mike Bardzik), but it retains the first album's whimsical joy and knack for instantly addictive hooks. 2026 is quickly shaping up to be The Year of Power Pop. The selection of stellar releases in that universe is mounting and mounting, and Log Flume has delivered an album that is up there with the best of that stuff. A physical release on cassette is out on Philly's home of the hits, Dummest Records!
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