“It’s the sound of a living room late at night”. That’s always my quick description of The American Analog Set’s music. Perhaps it’s because their music is always so intimate. Possibly due to the front cover photograph of The Golden Band, where a golden-hued person has his eyes closed and his hand on his temple.

I first came across the band while perusing an independent music shop in Santa Fe mall. Usually, the only music shop you’d find in the late 90s in all malls was Mixup, the chain that gobbled up too many stores and ended up toppling on itself, now a combo Spencer’s gift/Top Shop/Hot Topic rigamarole. So, the album cover caught my eye, but I didn’t buy it. The shop didn’t have any music listening stations, so I just made a note of the band and album, for my “check them out” list.

That I did, and lamented myself not taking a risk on blindly purchasing the album. Time passed, and I kept listening to their music, but never owned an album. Then, in 2007, they came to Mexico to play at Polyforum Siqueiros with The Dears. The friends I hung up with back then were massive fans of The Dears. Me? I just wanted to hear that droning synth and vibraphone combo live.

Their set didn’t disappoint me, but I know too many people who walked out. I dunno, the venue felt just right for their music and it’s one of the few gigs were I had to sit down as the music overwhelmed my senses. Sensory overload plus too many memories of playing with toys late at night by the golden hued of the two yellowish lamps my parents bought while everyone was having conversations at the dinner table. The American Analog Set can take you to the long abandoned places in your mind.

Stood up for a date while firecrackers blow up in the sky? Using the hope diamond as a doorstop. Having doubts on a relationship? Hard to find. Patiently waiting for students to connect for Zoom session during the pandemic? The Golden band. Quietly quitting a job that you simply can’t fathom enduring another year? I must soon quit the scene.

The American Analog Set is a band that’s been there in precise moments of my life and I hope I can listen to them once again, even if it’s for one final time. Give them a listen, lose yourself into memories, good and bad, then drink a warm cup of java and soldier on.

-Sam J. Valdés López