I usually take a break over the holidays from music writing, but it’s easy to make time for Ian’s great new indie pop recording (with hints of psych in the mix). Ian hails from the UK and co-wrote every song with our favorite Cosmic Rough Rider, Scotland’s Daniel Wylie. Ian recorded the aptly named We Live in Strange Times at his home studio, and plays every instrument here with the exception of Alan Gregson’s string arrangements and Hammond organ, Rhodes piano, and lap steel. Throughout this beautiful record, you might catch glimmers of British Invasion greats as well as windswept West Coast canyon rock. Modern touch points include bands like Teenage Fanclub. All these artists are mining the same musical vein, to great effect! Every song here is a winner, and will stick in your brain, both for catchy melodies and words that carry weight.
“The Last Chime” comes tumbling out of the starting gate, immediately catching your fancy. Love, which this world is so sorely lacking of late, is prominently mentioned. The enticing jangle pop that dances along with Ian’s sweet voice is the perfect combination. “It’s Summer Rain” is another sonic confection, which would be a huge hit in an alternative universe. I cannot get it out of my head! I dare you not to sing along on the chorus. And honestly, speaking of rain, we got so much damned rain in the past year that many areas flooded. We go from extreme drought to being up to our butts in muddy water. Definitely a timely song!”Mother Nature (giving out signs)” is a fine piece of psych pop with a serious message. It reminds me of George Harrison’s psychedelic musical trips. “The Clock is Ticking” has a jaunty melody paired with a winsome but sad message about climate change. It also defines that while we can’t stop the march of climate change, we can do our part to slow it down. What a great tune, possibly the best song in this collection!
“Dance Around the Room” is just wonderful, with some beautiful steel guitar really capping it off. Dancing is joyous, and despite the warnings in Ian’s earlier songs, this song takes the time to revel in the small moments. “Pray For Me” describes the disintegration of a relationship, but on a global level, it could also describe the horrible wars happening right now. Never have I seen such an outpouring of hatred for one side or the other in multiple conflicts. Indeed, this world needs prayer, but mostly it needs love. “The Sweet Smell of Roses” is another romantic, scent-infused gem of a tune. Memories also waft into this pretty waltz, and Gregson’s strings are a really stellar addition. The title track is another potential hit, with a fast moving guitar jangle and little whiffs of psych. Love it! The gorgeous “The Moon Floats on a Cloud” is a delectable, ornate slice of folk pop, reminiscent of The Pentangle and Fairport Convention. A perfect ending to a luminous, shimmering record, easily one of the best I’ve heard this year.
Catch up with Ian over on Facebook.
Pick up his album here or at Kool Kat Musik.
