A surprise release but a very welcome one from the Merseyside band, following 2021’s hit LP Coral Island, with songs that slip effortlessly out, deceptively simple and catchy, with elements of Jamaican rocksteady, ska and Ethiopian jazz into their familiar psych-indie-pop sound. Frontman James Skelly is one of the most songwriting talents around, his voice empathetic and warm. Retro yet fresh, wistful yet vital, it’s a joyous release, from ska-tinged syncopation of opener Let The Music Play, the organ and lovely bass line of Ride That Train, reggae and ska with upright bass and piano on Leave It In The Past, the sweet simplicity of You and Me (And The Beautiful Sea), the gentle soulful 60s psych pop of Shame and Here Come The Tears and Yellow Moon, all the way to the syncopated, bittersweet and beautiful farewell closer Crossing The Sands: “I'm leavin/ Yes I am leaving / Leaving this world/ So don't you be grieving/ 'Cause I'm with my girl / Soon I will be gone/ Gone with the breeze/ Beyond the horizon/ Where she's waiting for me.” Unpretentious, sweet yet also with notes of sadness, and perfectly crafted, it’s gem of a spring/summer release like a cold drink on a steaming hot day. Out on Run On Records / Modern Sky.
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