Themed loosely in setting, characters and narrative around a British seaside resort, this new double album by the Liverpool band glitters with beautifully relaxed, timeless tunes that shimmer with late-60s psychedelia and west coast vibe. With images of harbour boats, piers, sunsets, amusement arcades, retired carnies, old ballrooms and bars, some of these have a particularly soft, gentle sheen such as Mist On The River, Golden Age, or Golden Age, others trip along more vigorously like the wonderful single Vacancy with classic organ sound that echoes The Doors, Lover Undiscovered has wistful, nostalgic wonder, and single Faceless Angel, previously featured on our Song of the Day section. chugs wonderfully along like a ghostly Johnny Cash number. Pithy, vivid narratives intersperse each song, spoken with a gentle Scouse charm by the grandfather of brothers James and Ian Skelly, helping shape the theme and flavour of the album. But above all, awash of acoustic guitar, soft bass, organ, mellow percussion and more such as sprinkle of flute on Strange Illusions, what dominates is the sheer beauty and quality of every melody, some plodding catchily along like a donkey on the beach or floating and bobbling serenely like a boat by the shore. Gorgeously crafted, nostalgic, unpretentious and poetic. One of their best. Out on Run On Records.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...
Feel free to recommend more new albums and comment below. You can also use the contact page, or find more on social media: Song Bar Twitter, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube, and Song Bar Instagram. Please subscribe, follow and share.
Song Bar is non-profit and is simply about sharing great music. We don’t do clickbait or advertisements. Please make any donation to help keep the Bar running: