Philadelphia’s Scotty Leitch has been producing music as Shelf Life for nearly a decade. His impressive repertoire and range as a songwriter have made him an ubiquitous part of the indie and DIY scenes and place him with the likes of Car Seat Headrest and friend and collaborator Alex G. Other notable collaborators include Avery Tucker of Girlpool, R.L. Kelly, and Pill Friends. 

Released September 8th, FLAWLESS is Leitch’s 13th album and his first adventure into dream pop and electronic music. On the twelve track project, he incorporates drum machines, vocal modulation, and samples into his usual chilled-out brand of bedroom pop.

Throughout the album, laid-back, whirling instrumentations create cradles for lyrics and melodies that burrow into the listener’s psyche. Leitch’s ability to pen memorable turns of phrase make his music refreshing in a genre that can feel oversaturated at times. After a few listens, you may find Shelf Life’s words popping into your head during your daily routine, perhaps while moving into your new Brighton apartment, (“You love the way I sing, I wish I had a boxspring”) or while watching Seinfeld reruns. 

It’s not just the lyrics that make his music exciting. Leitch’s experimentation with structure and his bold songwriting choices help create some of the album’s most memorable songs.  With its techno beat and modulated vocals, “More Than Ever” proves to be the biggest leap from his previous work. The track is disorienting, catchy, and danceable:

Later in the album, during the bridge of “RHCPLOL,” Leitch busts out a re-worked sample of the 1993 hit “Whats Going On” by 4 Non Blondes. It is a surprisingly necessary and refreshing cover Leitch pulls off seamlessly. The song’s chorus features some more subtle 90’s nostalgia in the form of a profession of love:  “Julia Louis-Dreyfus, you’re my dream girl.” 

The music video for the album’s title track features grainy VHS footage of a roller skater twisting and turning through a routine. As the skater glides majestically behind Leitch’s comforting vocals, reverb-soaked drums, and warm synths, it’s hard to not feel nostalgic and untethered, or as he gently croons:

“Flawless and Free like I wanted to be”

FLAWLESS is out now on Bandcamp and you can grab a limited edition cassette from Como Tapes. Watch the music video for the title track below: