The Junipers - Imaginary Friends

 

We prepare Review posts ahead as we never release ahead of a time that we can embed three selections and so most are on or just after the official release date. But we do get the benefit of plenty of listens before the words and music get posted.

This is making September really busy and The Junipers are first up, probably as they always should be, with this more than welcome new album. It also brings back memories of the start of IDHAS, 8 years ago. There were reviews of Vinyl issues of albums by both The Junipers and Caddy on the much missed Sugarbush Records label. Caddy follow this week.

Imaginary Friends is, as you might expect from them, a very melodic gentle affair. Crossing the boundary between 60s Psych Pop and 70s Pop Rock, but this time around there is a lot of time spent in my beloved Toytown.

My Imaginary Friend, already heard by many as a single, is a great example of the Toytown on display. All village like and jaunty, but with added Lieutenant Pigeon piano and a slight air of Horace Wimp. But they are not all about whimsy. 

Red Song is simply beautiful, an hypnotic melotron arrangement on a song that has a slight Americana and Folk vibe. While You preside picks up the pace and gets a little West Coast funky with a rhythm that chugs gloriously.

You're My Sugar And Spice is all mid 60s Bubblegum and The Swarthy Smith is easy listening on opening, but then floats away, a fine piece of Piano Pop. Monday On My Back may be the gentlest thing on here, but is a great opportunity to reveal a splendid set of Backing Vocals.

Annie Almond is wonderful Psych Pop and there is the great marching bassline on Mary In The Rain and Hollow Song again gives the opportunity to their Beach Boys harmonies on a jaunty closer. Just wait for the twee solo. This is an album wonderfully performed and arranged, Imaginary Friends is an absolute joy. 

The mellotron is used to great effect rather than obviously and the Fairground feel on certain songs just adds to their appeal/ It is also ace to see Manchester's Portable Radio as part of the group. They are also a band that we know and adore who also feature on past reviews.

The album can be listened to and bought here. It is currently available on CD or as a download. A Vinyl version can be pre-ordered on via the same link and that will be released on November 15.

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