The Dynamo Hymn - The Dynamo Hymn

 

As the 2010s progressed and the music writing grew way beyond expectations, I seemed to get out and about far less. However, I always found time for Pugwash, usually at the splendid Hebden Bridge Trades Club with my great friend, Nick.

Pugwash were a great live band and Shaun McGee was a key part of the quartet with his inventive Bass Playing and impressive Backing Vocals. He now takes centre stage as vocalist of his own songs as well as adding that superb Bass playing and more.

Even better, the album contains three quarters of the Pugwash line up. Tosh Flood takes time from his Divine Comedy duties to collaborate on Guitar and Keyboards and also produces. Joe Fitzgerald also helps out on drums, so it is a reunion of three quarters of that classic line up whilst Thomas Walsh continues his solo career.

Pugwash early member and long time associate, Duncan Maitland also guests. There are obviously similarities to Pugwash, particularly on The Third Time Round and the splendid Here He Comes Again and overall the influences will be no surprise.

Those influences include Beatles 68, Idle Race, The Move, Pop Rock akin to the likes of Liverpool Express and hints at times of Jimmy Campbell in the vocal and the production. Satellite latterly contains a wonderful Baroque arrangement.

It's Too Late even hints at Glam Rock whilst drawing up images of those great 70s Pop Rock albums that everyone seems to be rediscovering. Colours is great UK Beat, reminiscent of The Kinks and White Album Beatles. It even flirts with Psych Pop.

Andy's Waltz is part Jeff Lynne, but also hints at the likes of 10CC whilst Without is a great moody melancholic closer. McGee's vocal is superb and you wonder why he hasn't gone up front more. This is the sort of album that I thought I would never hear again from the participants. It has made my year. Magnificent!

You can listen to and buy the album here. A Vinyl Release is planned.

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