The reliably good Frank Royster returns with a retro-drenched mellow melody that locates Liverpool somewhere in 1960s southern California. The opening rhythm guitar gives off a strong Texas Bobby Fuller Four vibe, only to shift sonic templates with the addition of some bright 12 string electric guitar. When the track finally settles into its own groove the distinct Beach Boys and Beatles elements meld together effortlessly, producing something eminently listenable over and over again. Not surprisingly, the video features sun, sand and wistful Royster playing his acoustic guitar on a boardwalk as pictures of a couple I assume are his parents flash on the screen as well as footage of a couple more Royster’s age walk a beach hand in hand. The lyrics pitch the singer as hopeful (‘someday, I’m gonna make you happy’) while the images show successful couples growing old together. “Someday” is Royster’s third stand-alone single to be released in the last two years, preceded by “Miss Information” and “Open Door.” What is interesting is how all three land in slightly different musical registers, which bodes well for his upcoming album still in preparation. In the meantime, if you haven’t followed Royster’s past work you are in for a treat. Both 2007’s Through the Years and 2010’s Innocence is Bliss are solid efforts that fans of Don Dixon or Bill Lloyd will love.

You can preview Royster’s material on Soundcloud and YouTube (including a creative re-interpretation of Elvis Costello’s “Only Flame in Town”) or just hang with him at his website and Facebook locales.

Photo courtesy Thomas Hawk Flikr page.