Auckland's Silk Cut offer up their second album and do much to dispel the myth that every band from New Zealand is a dreamy Guitar Pop affair with sugar sweet songs. The quartet are not such, although the superb Turning The World On gets close until the Psych Pop Guitar kicks in towards the end.
Truth be known that that song is really more Jangle Pop and a little early Crowded House. Overall though, the self titled album sounds more UK 1970s from Glam Rock to Pop Rock to New Wave and it is an absolutely corking listen.
There is plenty of choruses for the Pop kids, but also plenty enough diversions into Intelligent Indie with hooks, riffs and an angular intent. Arrangements are surprising and engaging from the melodic to the surprising. Every song seems to pack in a surprise.
Part of this is the super vocals. Sounding more than a little Muse on Punches, but more Nolan-esque Glam on Chip Away At The Stone. Tom Toms instrumentally sounds like the theme of an Armchair Theatre episode. Control Option Command mixes Brit Pop, Glasgow Jangle and great New Wave.
Heavenly Nova fits in with the new louder version of Indie Power Pop, Old Blue mixes late 60s Film Soundtrack whilst edging to both 70s Classic Rock and even Psych. Anywhere Can Happen goes full on Psych Pop and nails it, whilst The Transfer may be the best thing that you'll hear all year.
They even go to extremes with the 7 minute long Dead Star which gets all moody and magnificent instrumentally, yet could easily be on Ness's debut album. Compare that to the 1 minute closer which is all Bodie and Doyle with a cover of The Professionals Theme Tune. This album is magnificent, right up our street with real surprises without ever losing the plot.
You can listen to and buy the album here. You really should!
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