It can be embarrassing listening to previous generations of artists create songs they envision as teenage anthems. Not only is it impossible to create that intangible feeling of what it’s like to be a teen when you’re so far removed from it, but who honestly wants to be a teen again after you’ve lived through it once? That question is quickly answered by indie-pop wunderkind Harrison Li, who performs under the Harry Teardrops moniker. Many of Li’s songs operate within very traditional realms of pop, dreaming of idyllic scenarios in the city with your crush, going on drives and truly living life. These themes may sound trite on paper, but it’s the modern production flourishes that make these vicarious adolescent excursions so intoxicating. The newest release from Harry Teardrops is titled “Mercedes Benz” and it perfects this unique formula. Bedroom pop never sounded so glamorous in its youthful longing; stylish guitar riffs and trap-inspired drum patterns create a snapshot of what it’s like to be young through the morose and crystalline prism of Li’s summery hooks. “Mercedes Benz” is a wistful digital collage of exuberance and heartbreak and arguably the best Harry Teardrops song to date; you can catch him performing at Baby’s All Right on August 2 and stream his music below. -Tucker Pennington
