Further on from the Paul Molloy review, it really does appear that the Wirral is taking over the world. It is a double delight for me. I've spent the majority of my working life on the peninsula and my constant moans about the tumbleweed regionalised music scene in the UK seem to be being answered by the most unlikely of places.
This music is also not necessarily what you would expect. It is largely retro, but with the region's own slant on it. Being across the water from Liverpool means that the bands don't seem to revert to the default Scouse Scally Pop.
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These 13 songs may be from the West Coast of the UK, but this album sounds more like an album from the West Coast Of The States. West Coast Music Club are a collective based around the songs of Martin Adams. This allows the three different vocalists, including Adams and variety of musicians to provide a really varied take on the songs.
The earlier part of the album offers some great jangling guitar, very much in the territory of The Byrds and Laurel Canyon. You could imagine Ian McCulloch singing Something To Think About, Put The Cat Out, sounds like UK Indie from 1985 and All I Want Is You borders on late 60's UK Beat.
There are journeys into Americana, Folk and even Country. The two songs that Joanne Madden handles, Sometimes and Saturday, also add to the variety. Her sugar sweet voice just melts you and Sometimes is a corking slice of Psych Pop.
The Standout song though is probably Liar, it sounds a bit like Embrace going all 12 String without ever losing its Indie Spirit. Not everything works here, but the vast majority does and this provides a wonderful laidback feel across the whole album. Greetings From Ashton Park is a bit different to what I normally listen to. However after listening to this, I've certainly had my head turned
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You can listen to and buy the album here.
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