Photo courtesy of Secret Mountains

Spaceage sextet Secret Mountains are poised to carry the Baltimore indie torch lit by Animal Collective, Dan Deacon and Beach House if their own “Rejoice” is any indication. The influences are obvious: some Mercury Rev dreampsych here, a bit of Spaceman 3 feedback there. But the secret behind Secret Mountains lies within Kelly Laughlin’s powerfully sheen vocals. Where most shoegazer vocalists hide behind walls of guitar swells, Laughlin’s front and center, taking control and rejoicing in immediacy.

Look for Secret Mountains’ full-length out later this year. ‘Til then, check out the Rejoice EP on Friends Records.