Andy Pastalaniec's Chime School jangle in for album number two with a joyous chirpy album that builds on the debut. Beautifully performed, arranged and produced, The Boy Who Ran The Paisley Hotel is very second half of the 80s Indie Guitar Pop.
Equally UK, particularly Scottish, and American, it reminds you of a chipper Orange Juice, The Pastels and R.E.M, without the earnestness. It jangles from every direction, but in a measured way, it is deliberately restrained.
If a song breaks out, it is more by pace and tone than louder Guitar. A great example is the magnificent, Wandering Song, an object lesson in how to write engaging melodic Pop. Why Don't You Come Out Tonight goes totally 90s TV Show Theme Song and yet even sounds a little Smiths.
Say Hello allows the Jangle to get more Psych Pop and this shows a different side to the album as well as scratching my itch for the genre. Negative Monday is slowed down and more melancholic, almost West Coast and Desperate Days even gets in touch with the New breed of Indie Rock whilst also sounding vaguely Folk.
There is even room for a closer that shows the morning after the joy. A wonderfully arranged come down. Points Of Light may just have saved the best to last and shows even more depth. Again beautifully sung and demonstrating that this album is not solely about the Jangle Pop, although that is very welcome.
Lyrically, the album more than stands up and even with these stellar arrangements, it is Pastalaniec's vocal that holds everything together, splendidly harmonic, but gentle and soothing. This is the type of offering that excels in the summer, but also brightens up the dark.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl and CD on the Slumberland Records label or as a download.
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Great album, this.
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