Virginia’s finest are back, and they’re bringing the heat. Franklin Gotham has been grinding since 2013, dropping nine EPs and building a sound that just keeps getting better. These guys know their way around a hook, and “Lisboa” proves they’re not slowing down anytime soon. This is the second slice of their summer trilogy, and man, does it hit different from the first one.
Let’s talk about that first single, “Sunshine & Gasoline.” That was your laid-back, neo-reggae vibe—perfect for cruising with the windows down. But “Lisboa” kicks the door down right from the jump. It’s bigger, brighter, and packed with so much energy you might need a seatbelt.
The guitar work here is something special. That Rickenbacker shimmer cuts like a razor blade wrapped in sunshine. You can hear those British influences bleeding through—think The Smiths but with way more pep in its step. And when you mix that with the energy of The Replacements? That’s a winning combo right there.
There’s depth underneath all that sparkle. The song paints this picture of a midnight encounter across the water in Lisbon. Cobbled streets, painted tiles, shadows dancing in the moonlight. It’s got that dark, mysterious allure wrapped up in this driving, euphoric sound. That’s songwriting craft right there.
Franklin Gotham broke a two-year studio silence this summer, and they came back swinging. Three interconnected singles, each with its own vibe. They started with the reggae warmth, dropped this jangly pop gem, and now they’re teasing a cover of The Human League’s “Fascination” for the finale. That’s ambition, folks.
These guys have been at it for over a decade, and it shows. Their catalogue is stacked—from 2015’s “Something You Remember” all the way to last year’s “Good Times Bad Times.” They’ve got that vintage soul thing down pat, but they keep pushing forward, adding fresh elements that keep things interesting.
“Lisboa” is catchy without being cheesy, deep without being pretentious, and energetic without being exhausting. It’s the perfect summer anthem for anyone who’s ever had a moment in a beautiful city and wanted to hold onto it forever. Turn it up. You won’t regret it.