Welcome Strawberry Drops Surprise EP ‘Floral Arrangements’
Oakland’s premier shoegaze outfit, Welcome Strawberry, has surprised fans with the release of a new EP titled Floral Arrangements. Arriving as a companion to their previous full-length work, the project pivots toward a more stripped-back sound, offering a curated collection of acoustic-leaning tracks that complement the band’s established atmospheric style.
An Acoustic Companion Piece
Described in the band’s Bandcamp documentation as “an acoustic companion piece,” Floral Arrangements serves as a low-key follow-up to the band’s sophomore album, Desperate Flower. While Welcome Strawberry is known for dense, shimmering layers of sound, this EP explores an “acoustic-adjacent zone,” stripping away some of the sonic weight to reveal the melodic core of their songwriting.
The EP is a diverse gathering of recordings, featuring a mix of new material and archival pieces. The tracklist includes:
- A brand-new original song.
- A remix of a track originally featured on Desperate Flower.
- A cover of “As Big As You Are,” a 2020 release by fellow Bay Area contemporaries Aluminum.
- An old demo that closes the EP, reintroduced with the band’s signature dreamlike intensity.
The EP is released via Cherub Dream.
Building on the Success of ‘Desperate Flower’
The release of Floral Arrangements follows the momentum of the band’s second studio album, Desperate Flower, which debuted on June 25 through à La Carte Records and Cherub Dream Records. That record established the band’s ability to blend experimental noise with homespun psychedelia and dream-pop.
Highlighted by the lead single “Memory Cube,” Desperate Flower was praised for its contrast between intimate and expansive arrangements, nodding to the influence of kiwi pop and Elephant 6 icons. By releasing Floral Arrangements, the band provides a thematic and sonic bookend to that era of their discography.
Cyrus VandenBerghe and the Sloome Connection
The creative driving force behind Welcome Strawberry, leader Cyrus VandenBerghe, continues to be a prolific presence in the indie scene. Beyond his work with the Oakland shoegazers, VandenBerghe is a member of the project Sloome, which recently expanded its own catalog with the release of the album Blue Fire Doom last month.
Key Takeaways: ‘Floral Arrangements’ EP
- Release Type: Surprise EP / Acoustic companion piece.
- Associated Album: Desperate Flower.
- Label: Cherub Dream.
- Notable Cover: “As Big As You Are” by Aluminum.
- Key Personnel: Cyrus VandenBerghe.
With Floral Arrangements, Welcome Strawberry demonstrates a versatility that extends beyond the wall-of-sound approach, proving that their songwriting holds up even when the volume is dialed back. Fans can expect the band to continue navigating the intersection of psych-pop and shoegaze as they build upon the foundation of their sophomore year.