PORTLAND-BASED Pure Bathing Culture have delved into pure, nostalgic pop with stylish new release Pray for Rain, following on from 2013’s debut Moon Tides.  Having built up a reputation as part of previous indie-folk outfit Vetiver, couple Sarah Versprille and Daniel Hindman’s decision to work together as a two piece has paid off dividends.

After drafting in producer John Congleton (St Vincent, Swans, The Walkmen), Pray For Rain offers a sharp, more enhanced, retro sound, as both vocalist/keyboardist Versrpille and multi-instrumentalist Hindman branch out from their lo-fi, dream pop influences on previous recordings.

Themes of planetary imagery are swapped for self-belief and reflection, in what can be described as a seductive, mood-enhancing meander, cast against a backdrop of lush guitar hooks and heartfelt vocals. It seems fitting then that the band takes its name from a Swiss sauna session, such is the purity and personality of an organic, stripped-back vocal/guitar sound that rarely fails to impress in its diversity and attractiveness.

Shades of Fleetwood Mac and even The Cure are apparent, reflecting the light, 80’s nostalgic vibe that squeezes out of every tracks’ pore, which sounds like it could well have formed part of Napolean Dynamite’s cassette collection.

Opener ‘The Tower’, gives a light, melodic Beach House vibe, although the song – which Versprille and Hindman say was inspired by the MH370 flight disappearance in 2014 – suggests otherwise.

Synth-heavy standout ‘Pray for Rain’ creates a 80’s calypso sheen that grabs and won’t let go, as Versprille broods “Are you cut in two/Cut all the way through?”, a song which sees the band pleasantly dip into full ‘Drive’ soundtrack territory mode.

Meanwhile ‘Palest Pearl’, inspired by H.D.’s 1944 poem ‘The Walls Do Not Fall’, feels dreamy and bubble-gum like and that, on closer listen, speaks of intimate, inner-band relationships within its bouncy synth-pop hook.

Slow burner ‘Clover’s’ punchy drum machine gallop and echo helps maintain a similar tempo at the half way point, as ‘Darling, Saves Us’ big-hearted cry for help builds to a suitably heightened, welcome climax.

The autobiographical ‘Singer’ creates a simple, powerful sense of atmospheric vulnerability, backed by Hindman’s oscillating guitar, as suggested by opening lyrics; “My mirror/remembers/the folds in our feathers”.

Following that is the sparkling, relationship anthem ‘She Shakes’, that, with references to ‘angel queens’ and ‘silver slithers’, runs along with the feel of an early Smiths tune.

‘I Trace Your Symbol’ offers what is the album’s only real let-down as it strays into crystal pop excess just a little too much, while ‘In the Night, in the Peaceful Night’ helps to redress the balance.

Its rich, sultry sound crowns a welcome return to action for the duo, whose deliberately bare-boned, more versatile approach makes Pray for Rain a winner from the start.