Wishy’s new Planet Popstar EP (out now on Winspear) is a sun-drenched burst of nostalgia and slick pop craftsmanship. After their meteoric rise—2023’s Paradise EP and last summer’s acclaimed debut LP Triple Seven racking up praise from Pitchfork to the New York Times—Kevin Krauter and company lean into a polished, adult-contemporary glaze, without losing the kaleidoscopic charm that made them indie-rock darlings.
Opening with the hypnotic swoon of “Fly,” Krauter’s doubled vocals drift over hazy guitar tones as he sings, “I found a way to be grateful every day,” turning optimism into an earworm. Title track “Planet Popstar” cranks up the energy with early-aughts guitar riffs and dreamy backing harmonies by Pitchkites, sending a jolt of bubblegum indie through your veins—a perfect antidote to 2020s anxiety. On “Over and Over,” intricate guitar lines and a propulsive chorus showcase Krauter’s knack for catchy, off-kilter hooks, while the EP’s lo-fi demo snippets collide with Ben Lumsdaine’s L.A. studio sheen.
Whether you’re already hooked on their whirlwind story—sold-out shows, a late-night Colbert set, upcoming tour dates with Momma, and festival slots at Kilby and Riot Fest—or you’re hearing them for the first time, Planet Popstar feels like a warm invitation: let go, have fun, and embrace the sweet chaos of self-discovery.
Stream Planet Popstar now via Winspear—and get ready to fly.