Lightheaded: Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming! [Album Review]

Lightheaded
Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming!
Skep Wax/Slumberland Records [2025]

“A soft-focus shimmer of indie-pop charm—Lightheaded refine their sound without losing the sparkle.”

Album Overview: Lightheaded formed on the Jersey Shore in 2017, anchored by the duo of Cynthia Rittenbach and Stephen Stec. Early on, they cycled through collaborators while fine-tuning a sound rooted in timeless pop sparkle. As they connected with the wider indie pop world, a path led them to the ever-reliable Slumberland Records. Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming! plays like both a step forward and a gentle rewind. Its ten tracks split evenly: the first half offers five new songs that reflect a tighter, more collaborative dynamic; the second half revisits the Good Good Great! EP in full. Rather than feeling tacked on, the sequencing flows naturally, letting the new material shine while offering fresh context for the earlier songs. The result feels cohesive, a well-sewn patchwork quilt of where Lightheaded has been—and where they’re going.

Musical Style: Lightheaded lives in that soft-focus zone between ’60s pop and modern indie, full of shimmering guitars, breezy harmonies, and unfussy grooves. Their songs unfold at an unhurried pace, never in a rush to get to the hook, but always confident it’s coming. The arrangements are delicate without feeling slight—there’s sweetness here, sure, but also a quiet sharpness that adds bite.

Evolution of Sound: The new songs on Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming! show growth—not a dramatic leap, but a thoughtful refinement. There’s more space in the mix, more confidence in the songwriting, and a subtle shift toward emotional depth. The EP tracks still hold up, but the newer material reveals a band becoming more comfortable in their skin. These are songs made with care, and it shows in the details.

Artists with Similar Fire: If you’ve got a soft spot for The Aislers Set, Camera Obscura, or The Ladybug Transistor, Lightheaded’s mix of sentiment and style will feel instantly familiar. Fans of The Go-Betweens, Katy Goodman, Dolly Mixture, La Luz, and The Clientele will also find plenty to swoon over. There’s definite Sarah Records energy here—jangly, tender, and proudly low-key.

Pivotal Tracks: Among the new batch, “Same Drop” sets the tone with its sun-flecked, Laurel Canyon shimmer. “The View from Your Room” builds with chamber pop textures and a sense of gentle urgency, while “Me & Amelia Fletcher” is a standout nod to indie-pop royalty with a bounce that begs for repeat plays. From the EP half, “Mercury Girl” still sparkles with charm, and “Love Is Overrated” wraps the album with a wistful sigh—equal parts romantic and resigned. Together, these tracks map a journey from curiosity to clarity.

Lyrical Strength: Cynthia’s lyrics are full of understated honesty—more observational than poetic, but all the more relatable for it. There’s a throughline of longing and reflection, with plenty of space left for the listener to fill in their own blanks. The new songs feel especially grounded, with lyrics that capture fleeting moments and emotional nuances without overexplaining them. It’s subtle, but it lands.

Final Groove: Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming! doesn’t shout for your attention—it earns it gradually, with charm, patience, and quiet craft. The album works best as a mood, a comforting companion with a soft edge and a sweet aftertaste. It’s not quite a reinvention, but it’s a promising evolution that hints at even more potential ahead. Would I have loved to see 10 new tracks from this band – absolutely but this combination of new and old does work well together and keeps Lightheaded as a fresh band to watch.

LIGHTHEADED LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Skep Wax Records | Slumberland Records