Blossoms
Bloom
May 12 2014 (RIP Records)
9/10
Words: Leanne Crowley
'Bloom' is the debut three-track EP from relatively new outfit, Blossoms. Conceived in 2013, they have gone from strength to strength; their minor ripple on the Manchester scene pond has already turned into a tidal wave of approval.
Starting off strongly with ‘You Pulled A Gun on Me', the clock-tick guitar opening effect seamlessly builds in musical layers as the various elements are added sequentially. The strong keys draw a haunting refrain, before the vocals of Tom Ogden work in to swirl sensuously around, whilst the low-key drum presence ensures the sound is perfectly balanced. Current single ‘Madeleine' is a little more mainstream sounding, with its swirls and swooshes, something The Coral were versed in using to very good effect; its chorus is characteristic of the neo-psych movement of the moment, and adorned by the drums of Joe Donovan and a particularly strident bassline. This track also features a ragged minor note guitar instrumental courtesy of Josh Dewhurst - something so far uncharacteristic of the band's output so far.
Closer ‘Cut Me And I'll Bleed' takes a slower tempo, allowing the focus to fall on the vocals and the musical talent that is on offer. There is still the psych organ crescendo running alongside, the melody of which when combined with the guitar riffs is reminiscent of the classic ‘Light My Fire'. The longest track on offer and the stop-start towards the end is quite simply a work of genius: first the tapped drum beat, then the echoing guitar and bass, then the vocals working their magic alongside a twinkling effect from the organ - and all this before normal service is resumed and the empowered drumming kicks in once more.
Blossoms have delivered a well-constructed first offering here, one with both charm and sensitivity. The only problem is, it leaves you with an overwhelming sense of wanting more. Let the full-length album be not too long in coming.
No comments:
Post a Comment