After two promising singles on the Fortuna Pop! label this album has been eagerly awaited for some time, and it certainly doesn't disappoint. A lovely invigorating package of lo-fi indie-pop, it's eager to remind the listener of the joys of old-school indie rock. The influences seem quite broad, but touch on lots of old favourites. They've been compared to Belle and Sebastien but to me they seem more reminiscent of bands like the Delgados, Pavement and the Pastels.
The album kicks off in a reflective mood with cute whistful slices of acoustic pop. On "This could be the start of something small" and "I'm wrong, you're right" they use their 8-piece capacity to good effect while keeping the songs sparse, simple and catchy. Quiet strings, piano, melodica and an occasoinal trumpet all contribute to the rhythm of acoustic guitar and the laid back dreamy indie boy vocals. Some of the tracks take a while to grow on you, but after a few listens they'll leave you feeling really warm inside.
Even if the thought of twee indie-pop gives you the shivers, I'd listen on - tracks like the singles "Power yr trip" and the long but wonderfully catchy song entitled "The foolishness we create through love is the closest we come to greatness" will give you a wake-up blast of fuzzy lo-fi power-pop with an older more punky indie sound. You'll want to dance right away. Believe me, it's a great antidote to too much serious post-rock...
The album contains a lot more great moments - "Love runs clean" takes the obligatory tearful break-up song and builds it into something with an understated power. "Between Delta and Delaware" lays beautiful lyrics over a gorgeous summery sound that recalls the Pastels or Pavement at their best when it reaches it's lo-fi climax.
After more Pixies-esque indie punk riffs ("Surf #7 Wave") the album closes out with a final goodbye from the lands of cute lo-fi. It's a touching and lively album and something that should please all the real indie kids out there.
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8Matthew Willson's Score