Most casual listeners would be used the happy clappy jaunty Guitar Pop and that is understandable as the first two commercial album releases mastered that. But the third album was very different and may be my favourite album of the band's output.
What We Did Last Summer is a wonderful offering. Far more restrained than what had gone before, songs largely concentrated, built on soundscapes and vocal harmonies, this was a Pop album with minimal guitar and of course contained the barmy Life Is A Motorway, a sort of Pet Shop Boys version of Go West Part 2.
The album went far more electronic and the James McColl vocals were nearer say Paul Heaton, but just as listenable as ever. As the chirp returned, I have often thought about a follow up to that album and It Only Gets Worse is it with spades.
Songs are just as addictive as anything that has gone before, but this album feels even more electronic. There is little Guitar, although its appearance on the magnificent Candle is really welcome. For all intents and purpose, this is an Indie Pop album.
Although very different to what Sparks do, McColl does have that ability to switch between self effacing lyrical greatness and repetition. Here the repetition is incredibly melodic, instrumentally is wonderfully moody and addictive.
The songs are also built on layers of vocals with instrumental themes that enchant you, but are not afraid of diverging. and are beautifully put together. McColl's voice is in fine fettle, it partially dominates It Only Gets Worse and that, of course, is a great thing.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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