The Catenary Wires - Birling Gap

 

I've been meaning to review this album for a few months and finally have. The third offering from The Catenary Wires is a little different to the two that have gone before. The band are now a five piece rather than a duo.

The addition of  Ian Button, Fay Hallam and Andy Lewis on Drums, Keyboards and Bass respectively hasn't changed the direction considerably, but despite the beauty of Amelia Fletcher's voice, this seems more an angry album.

Gone is the Pop of Amelia and Rob Pursey's previous outfits, Tallulah Gosh and Heavenly. The vocal entwining of the two is as wonderful as ever, but the sound has been expanded. This has allowed a greater depth to the album in what seems to be righteous fury at what Brexit has made us.

The songs are beautiful, but melancholic and what appears simple on first listen allows much discovery on future visits. The vocal harmony on Face On The Rail Line is something everyone should admire. Three Way Car has a Western feel on the verse linked to an almost Beautiful South chorus. 

Canterbury Lanes is Folk Pop at times, yet is almost Toytown Psych. Like The Rain is very 60's Film Noir soundtrack and The Overview Effect is a magnificent closer. Newcomers expecting C86 Pop will be slightly disappointed, but after five minutes engrossed. 

The subject matter is one of disappointment and the lyrics make that clear, but the 80's Disco of Mirrorball does all that and is still enchanting. A special mention must be made for Always On My Mind which is a cracking example of Jaunty Pop and a reminder of what the duo used to do. Birling Gap is never ordinary and Highly Recommended.

You can listen to and buy the album here. You can find out more about The Catenary Wires here.

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