Chicago Indie-Pop Quintet Varsity Release Vibrant New Track, "A Friend Named Paul"

Chicago indie-pop five-piece Varsity have released a new single, “A Friend Named Paul,” taken from their forthcoming debut album, Parallel Person, out on April 27 via Babe City Records.

The band released their debut EP back in 2014, a self-titled EP in 2015 and a string of singles since then. They’ve previously shared bills with the likes of Courtney Barnett, Alvvays, Car Seat Headrest, Hop Along and Beach Fossils.

“A Friend Named Paul” features twinkling, reverb-soaked guitars, and lead singer and keyboardist Stephanie Smith’s airy, dreamy lead vocals. Smith sings as she waits for a man named Paul (who’s “no friend at all”) so the two can “share in the feeling of going nowhere.” The song’s joyous, naive instrumentation wonderfully contrasts with the song’s dark lyrics, masquerading as a call for help (“Would you die for me anytime / Okay, just wondering”).

According to a press release, Parallel Person “expresses the uphill battle of isolation, popularity and artistic frustration.” The album will also feature previously released singles “Krissy” and “Must Be Nice.”

Listen to “A Friend Named Paul” below. You can preorder Parallel Person here.

Chicago Indie-Pop Quintet Varsity Release Vibrant New Track, “A Friend Named Paul”