I've been loving Los Angeles's Bone Apple Tea's album for the past month or two. It's gentleness is a real antidote to the noisier affairs that have dominated my listening habits lately. They are really hard to pin down sound wise.
One minute there is a Jayhawks Americana vibe, the next there is a venture into Psych. They seem equally at home with West Coast Pop Rock and 70s Glam Rock, indeed the vocal at times is very Bolan-esque.
However, this is not sleepy stuff, there is a real swagger in what they do and both the playing and arrangements are spot on. Honey Dew, for instance, develops from a gentle pastoral strum into Psych Pop joy and has a constant killer bass line.
Just Like You is early Rock and Roll, whilst Want It Back could be on the big studio recordings of the 60s with the likes of the Wrecking Crew. BAT Theme is a real altogether now, almost show shuffle song. Baby Song is pure California Bubblegum Pop with some fine Acoustic Guitar playing.
Spirit Released is a wonderful slab of Psych, yet Roll On is perfect 70s Pop Rock. Long Lash Girl is real "let's do the show right here", almost Toytown in feel. Dialed You Up has the vibe of a 70's Sitcom Theme, but also has a real Orgone Box vibe at times.
Mackin' starts all T Rex riff but heads into UK Glam and Good Company is the best Jayhawks song not to be a Jayhawks song. The whole album is an absolute pleasure to listen to. Hard to believe that an album so beautifully written and played is a debut. Highly Recommended!
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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