I received this album a couple of months ago after the band were recommended to me by a friend. Unfortunately, for several reasons I didn’t get an opportunity to listen properly and pull my thoughts together, as a result the album nearly slipped under my radar. With the holidays giving me a few days to get my shit together, I’ve been listening to this and several other albums on my must listen list, although it was hard to, move onto then others as I kept hitting the repeat button when this CD finished playing. Dumb Poets, you’ve got me.
Eleven tracks of beauty and subtle addictive hooks. Who would this appeal to? I find it hard to think of anyone who wouldn’t like this. US West Coast influenced harmonies and a distinctive lead vocal that at times listening it conjures up images of Edwyn Collins, James King and Gerard Langley of Blue Aeroplanes. Musically they have a sound that would appeal to fans of Go-Betweens, REM, Teenage Fanclub, Trashcan Sinatras and the like.
Sugarmouth
The bands single Sugarmouth kicks things off and the intent is ostensible from the start, a track of sanguine beauty, it sets out the bands stall perfectly, one song that brings together all the elements that make the band special.
Tracks like Downstream with its subtle repetitive hook have a rich delicately soothing effect. While, The Ceiling’s Crashing Down is a tale of all that is going wrong in the protagonist’s life. However, the track is upbeat and optimistic with a jaunty rhythm, understated organ and adding some country guitar stylings overall suggesting a glimmer of hope.
All the Ghosts (are Coming Home)
For me, one of the album highlights is title track, All the Ghosts (are Coming Home), while there is a certain melancholy to the lyrics, the music draws you in and envelops you like a warm blanket. Starting with an acoustic guitar and adding layers of laid-back electric riffs and melodies, backed up with a drum beat that has your foot tapping along. Sheer beauty.
It is hard to pick other favourite tracks as each has its own little idiosyncrasies that make them shine. Heart Shudder however is another of my favourites. The verse builds delicately to a chorus with a beautifully affecting backing vocal.
This is the way of the entire album, it slowly and surreptitiously draws you in deftly and doesn’t let you go. One listen isn’t enough.
In the chaos of Christmas, this is the perfect foil and given the opportunity to have some me time, this album goes straight on, shut out the rest of the world and all is glowing and peaceful.
Go and seek out this album. Your ears and your soul will thank you.