Pool

Released in 2016 on Domino Records, Pool represents a significant sonic evolution for Aaron Maine's Porches project, moving away from the more traditional indie-rock leanings of earlier work toward a sophisticated, synth-driven aesthetic. The album was primarily tracked at Business District with Hunter Davidsohn before being meticulously finished by Maine in his New York City apartment. This hybrid recording process resulted in a unique 'professional bedroom' sound - a record that possesses a high-fidelity sheen while maintaining the intimate, idiosyncratic character of a home recording. Critics, including those at Pitchfork and AllMusic, noted the album's ability to capture urban isolation through its 'liquid' production and submerged vocal delivery. The record is often cited as a definitive example of mid-2010s indie-pop's fascination with 80s synth textures, reimagined through a minimalist, modern lens. Its focus on water imagery and nocturnal themes solidified Porches as a central figure in the New York indie scene.