Wow, just wow. What a fantastic slice of 60s influenced psych pop. Really, I know no other way to describe it. So many great bands come to mind when I listen to this marvelous confection from guitarist/vocalist James Hoare (Veronica Falls) and guitarist/vocalist Max Claps. Joined by Daniel Nellis (bass) and Robert Syme (drums), the band have already shared stages with the likes of Real Estate and Crystal Stilts.
Honestly though, beyond all the 60s nods, these guys are mining a deep vein of Kiwi pop. One listen to “Tire Me Out” puts them squarely in The Clean’s territory. Or how about “Step Into the Cold” which cleverly meshes the rhythmic pyrotechnics of The Bats with the wide-eyed innocence of flower children? Its propulsive beats also nestle in nicely with any Feelies records you may own. “Stereolab” is yet another sublime slice of music, and I swear Robert Scott is playing uncredited. I mean that as the highest compliment, as few bands have come close to the amazing run of late 80s music that came out of New Zealand. “Now We Understand” is another excellent tune with chugging guitars and lovely harmonies that The Beta Band would kill for.
The band’s press sheet claims JAMC as an influence, and you’ll hear a bit of that on album opener, “Gone”, with its lazy, slumbering pace. And oh, “Ruby”, where have you been all my life? What a shimmering jewel of chamber pop this is. I love its ornate stylings as it unfolds in the best tradition of bands like The Left Banke. I could go in this fashion, but you get the picture. Just great from start to finish, and a clear contender for my Top Five of 2014.
