Listen to “Superperfection” by Film School

After two decades and a handful of lineup changes, California shoegaze band Film School return with a double single ahead of their upcoming album, We Weren’t Here. Whereas the sweet “Isla” would’ve sat nicely in their lush, colorful 2018 record Bright to Death, the metaphysical “Superperfection” recalls the dark ambient interludes spread across 2007’s Hideout.

“Superperfection” begins with fluttering chopper sounds, as though the band were descending from high above. Once they land, they announce themselves with grand, clear-eyed composure: They are older, wiser, and entirely sure of themselves. “Let me make you/No direction/Spread you into/Superperfection,” frontman Greg Bertens sings. He’s backed by a wall of sound and texture so dense it feels almost claustrophobic: Heavy kicks keep pace at the front of the mix, droney guitars recall Catherine Wheel, and unrelenting hi-hats flicker in the back. Like a black sky viewed in the dead of the night, its endless sprawl holds your attention.