Description
Drugdealer – Hiding In Plain Sight – Vinyl Record
Hiding in Plain Sight by Drugdealer is a lush and nostalgic soft rock and psychedelic pop album that lovingly channels the warm, melodic spirit of 1970s California pop music while blending contemporary indie sensibilities, vintage production aesthetics, and emotionally reflective songwriting. Released in 2022, the album was created by musician and producer Michael Collins, whose Drugdealer project has become known for its dreamy arrangements, analog warmth, and reverence for classic singer-songwriter traditions. Hiding in Plain Sight expands upon the project’s signature retro-inspired sound with richer orchestration, sophisticated melodies, and a more emotionally nuanced songwriting approach.
The album draws heavily from classic soft rock, sunshine pop, folk rock, yacht rock, and psychedelic pop influences associated with artists from the late 1960s and 1970s. Throughout the record, listeners can hear echoes of lush West Coast harmonies, mellow groove-oriented rhythms, vintage keyboards, acoustic guitars, orchestral flourishes, and smooth melodic craftsmanship. Rather than functioning as simple retro imitation, however, Hiding in Plain Sight reinterprets these influences through a modern indie lens, creating music that feels both timeless and contemporary.
The album explores themes of emotional distance, memory, romantic uncertainty, self-reflection, longing, and personal vulnerability. The title Hiding in Plain Sight suggests emotional ambiguity and quiet introspection, ideas reflected in the album’s subtle storytelling and relaxed yet emotionally layered atmosphere. Michael Collins’ understated vocal style complements the music’s dreamy and intimate tone, emphasizing mood and emotional texture over dramatic vocal intensity.
One of the defining characteristics of the album is its extensive collaboration with notable musicians and vocalists from the indie and alternative music world. Contributions from artists associated with contemporary psychedelic pop, indie folk, and experimental rock help give the record a communal and richly textured quality. The arrangements feature layered harmonies, analog synthesizers, vintage electric piano sounds, orchestral strings, and carefully crafted production details that create a warm and immersive sonic environment.
Critics praised Hiding in Plain Sight for its melodic sophistication, beautifully detailed production, and ability to revive classic soft-rock aesthetics without sounding overly nostalgic or derivative. The album was frequently compared to the golden-era songwriting traditions of artists such as Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren, The Beach Boys, Harry Nilsson, and Fleetwood Mac while also appealing strongly to fans of modern indie artists exploring vintage pop aesthetics.
Listeners who enjoy artists such as Mac DeMarco, Weyes Blood, Mild High Club, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Ariel Pink are often drawn to Hiding in Plain Sight because of its combination of psychedelic warmth, smooth melodic songwriting, and richly detailed vintage-inspired production.
Hiding in Plain Sight stands as one of Drugdealer’s most refined and critically acclaimed releases, celebrated for its elegant songwriting, sophisticated arrangements, and affectionate reinterpretation of classic soft rock and psychedelic pop traditions. The album continues to resonate with listeners seeking warm, melodic, emotionally reflective music that bridges the gap between vintage pop craftsmanship and contemporary indie experimentation.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Madison
Baby
Someone To Love
Pictures Of You
New Fascination
Valentine
To Live And Drive In L.A.
Hard Dreaming Man
Posse Cut
