Kevin Bronson on February 1st, 2018

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“Constellations,” the second album from L.A.’s I Hate You Just Kidding, is a true-blue indie-pop record. From the guileless “Heartbeat” to the retro shimmy of “Dreaming” to the faintly country lilt of “Splendid Eyes” to the astral shoegazing of the title track, the album (out Friday) plays tag with many tendrils of pop’s past, all the while exuding a childlike sweetness. For that, credit the chemistry of its husband-and-wife creators, Jeremy and Jessi Brock. Almost seven years (plus a marriage, kids and some life experiences) after their 2011 debut “Days Grow Longer,” the Brocks were joined by bandmates Kevin Manwarren, Roxy Radulescu and Greg Anderson and worked on the album with producer Jon O’Brien. Wistful, hopeful and occasionally just plain forlorn, “Constellations” sees the Brocks trading off vocals — hers fetchingly plaintive, his like a secret-teller — as they seek solace in the space between life’s little disappointments and large possibilities.

||| Stream: “Constellations” in its entirety

||| Live: I Hate You Just Kidding celebrate their album release with a show Friday at the Hi Hat, joined by Lukas Frank, the Wind Chasers Club and the Radio Fliers. Tickets.