Oozing old-world charm with quirky invention and wistful beauty, this second thematic LP in a Swan Songs trilogy, the first of which was last year’s Blood, before the forthcoming Bone, is another delicious mix of acoustic and electronica by London’s Stephen Coates and co. Variously sprinkled with trumpet, musical saw and more, highlights include the central track Bone Dreams and Blood, a moving tribute to departed London friends, with this classic, cultured and gently humorous opening triplet: “You dress like it’s the 1970s / Reading R. D. Laing in Brompton cemetery / You’re still in love with Susan Pevensie.” Other standouts include the appropriately rich, dreamy style of Lost Endeavour with Erin Moran on vocals, Oriana Curls’ breathy French lead on Comme Dans Un Rêve, Kinky Love written by Dave Ellingson with Josephine Lloyd-Wilson’s voice, another harking back to more 60s French pop, and the shimmeringly gorgeous closing track, Last Night. A dreamboat of an album in every way imaginable. Out on Antique Beat. Available via Bandcamp, and see also their website for previous releases.
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 songs and 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: