Independent record label Plastic Fish Records based in Leeds works closely with up and coming artists to produce the best in alternative music.
The new compilation album ‘American Sole’ (sic) features the gentle, tropical sounds of Beach Youth plus Oxford UK based The Sea The Sea – whose EP ‘Sub Rosa’ has just been released – South London popsters KING TV – cartoon-like capers with JOEY FOURR – Bournemouth rock ‘n’ rollers YOOFS Californian Psychedelic Pop from Inspired and the Sleep and Chicago Electro-Funk from GHOSTHOUSE .
First up is the sparkling and youthfully vibrant ‘Days‘ by French band Beach Youth. This is gently swaying – like a fragile palm frond – but is full of sunshine and happy clappyness.
The Sea The Sea bring us ‘Captives’ with a shimmer of tinsel-curtain and a lascivious bass that rumbles along – with jarred guitar-notes gliding behind – and vocals that really reminded us of mid 1980’s Tears for Fears.
Whirling, woobling ‘Don’t See It Coming’ by Nicotine Dream is whine-stained and dreary-dreamy – it’s like hearing Smiths for the very first time – but listening through a mesh in your Auntie’s hall.
YOOFS ‘Cant Think’ is sparkling Beatles-shaped fun.
With perfect guitars, a tapitty backbeat and sneering vocals that might remind you of a cross between Oasis and the Beach Boys.
This is a satisfying sugar-coated gumdrop confection – soft pop rock for a new beat-generation.
‘Stop Your Crying’ by King TV is polished and is splendidly joyful + wonderfully nostalgic.
Precision guitar sounds, rappetty drum-work plus the kind of harmonies you thought were long forgotten. This is delicious.
‘Pool Guard’ by Inspired & the Sleep is whirly and echo-some.
Just like the theme – it is full of damp, misty enchantment – in a chlorine-filled dome somewhere in a suburban heaven.
Likable bass is yummy and the sugar-coated vocals (with the coconut ice sweetness) will rot your teeth if you’re not careful. The chirpy flute is also unique.
The last track is ‘ Carry On’ by Ghosthouse and this also took us back to the 1980’s.
It’s like Prince. With slurpilicious bass and chattering keys that add glamour. For those that remember the Big Fun of Shalamar – this will be a wonderful step-back to a better place (and more innocent) times.
@neilmach © 2014
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/blackwhiterecordsonline/
Buy them ALL on iTunes from 27th Oct Click here:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/american-sole/
RAW RAMP 