Coromandelles ’ debut album Late Bloomers’ Bloomers reminds us there is no line to tow. Dan Michicoff of the Tijuana Panthers started writing and recording songs in his Los Angeles apartment. The project grew to include Matt Maust of Cold War Kids on bass and visuals, and also the voices of Robyn Roth and Naomi Greene. Michicoff and Maust then made their way up to Seattle for tracking at Joe Plummer’s studio La Puebla. Plummer of Cold War Kids and The Shins donned two caps as drummer and engineer of the sessions. Finally, they handed the mixed bag of home and studio recordings off to Yukki Matthews of The Shins for mixing. The resulting bouquet is the parti-colored Late Bloomers’ Bloomers.
Does there have to be a trade-off between staying on track and getting comfortable with feeling lost? After all, “life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.” Instead of over-achieving, Coromandelles opted for nights out, cheap wine, French lessons, and figure drawing classes… Late Bloomers’ Bloomers is about finding the enjoyment in being derailed. The album rolls through moments of anxiety, doubt, and hope before finally closing with a two-song suite that evokes a flowering transition. “End of Mad Men” is the bloom and “Seaudeaux” is a hazy memento mori of wilted flowers, empty wine glasses, and oyster shells – a definite highlight.
If Father Time is constantly confronting us with ever-changing expectations, then Coromandelles are here to remind us we have options. It’s never too late in life to feel clouded or lost. Yet, it’s never too late to feel an optimistic itch like “New Ordain.” Coromandelles are willing to come out and say it. Make a change. Go with it. You’ll be surprised.
In late spring 2015, Michicoff and Maust met with Long Beach label Porch Party Records to discuss a vision for their debut. With such a solid collection of recordings, it was evident that this dynamically balanced album needed to be made into wax. The songwriting strengths of Coromandelles- tangled with their ability to have fun and not take themselves too seriously- perfectly aligned with the music appreciating and house-party-born label. Additionally, the overall spirit of these 10 tracks doesn’t stray too far from the beach. Although nearly half of the lyrics are in French, the songs swim in a coastal Long Beach sound. Coromandelles debut album Late Bloomers’ Bloomers will be available this fall October 23 as a 12-inch vinyl on Porch Party Records. Lastly, Orange County label Burger Records recently confirmed a cassette release, also available October 23.
Ghettoblaster recently caught up with Michicoff to discuss the record and this is what he told us about it.
When did you begin writing the material for Late Bloomers’ Bloomers?
I had a handful of bedroom recordings laying around for the past five years.  No real intention to do anything with them until a year ago when Maust and I had the idea to flesh them out and record them at Joe Plummers up in Seattle. We ended up improvising and writing more tunes.
Was it always meant to be a Coromandelles project with the three of you? Or did it begin more as a Dan solo project?
They were just song ideas floating around.  I think Coromandelles really gave it a life and identity.
Who is singing the female part on “New Ordain?” Obviously, there’s a solid heaping of French-Pop on this release. Are you all fans of the genre?
Naomi Greene is singing on “New Ordain.” I met her in Paris when I was on tour in Europe.  She plays the harp and studied music at Cal arts where she was living.  Which I am certain is ironically how music relationships need to work.  I hang with more LA bands in other cities than I do in LA.
I am definitely a french pop fan.  Not a huge collector but I have my faire share of the classic albums Jacque Dutronc, Françoise Hardy, and Serge Gainsbourg.  Get my juices flowing.
Late Bloomers’ Bloomers is being released on vinyl (Porch Party) and cassette (Burger Records). Is it ever going to be released on CD?
Depends on supply and demand.
Do you guys have plans to play out at all?
Supply and demand.
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