The Happy Fits - Lovesick

I absolutely adore The Happy Fits. I mentioned in the review of their third album. Under The Shade Of Green (here) that I felt the band were now too big for what we cover, being essentially a door opener for the new, but we do stick to some of our faves of our early days such as The Moomyheads (who incidentally release their new album on Friday)

I was fortunate to catch them on the up with the second album, What Could Be Better (here). That album had more of a UK feel, Brit Pop even. Guitar Pop had its very best marked out by the cello of vocalist, Calvin Langman. It was really unusual to hear the cello at the from of a trio,

The initial growth on Spotify and then the social media following by inventive constant Social Media led to that third album taking the New Yorkers stratospheric. So Lovesick has been keenly awaited, wondering how the departure of founder and Guitarist,

The addition of Raina Mullen and Nico Rose has added a new dimension. The sound is bigger, the arrangements are more dynamic and expanded. Langman's voice has never sounded better, it has been stretched to take on different directions and feel.

The Guitar Pop is as great as ever, but slightly more dynamic. But ventures into the likes of Americana, Torch songs and Pop Rock have shown a band at the top of their game. The results are dynamite. My other half gets a little tired of all the music that I listen to and she has very different tastes. On listening to Lovesick a couple of times, she burst out with a "this is brilliant" comment, a really rare thing.

That and many other things show what appeal The Happy Fits have. This is album of the year potential. The mix of Pop Rock and more earnest aching songs show how adaptable the band is. They have started a big tour of the UK, Europe and the States. I'll be in Manchester on the 17 October as a fanboy, not a writer.

You can listen to and buy the album here. The album can be bought as a double Viny LP here.

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Barbara - Barbara

 

There are two bands called Barbara that we adore. The American one who add Brass to songs that are experimental and all soundscape. Their second album, So This Is Living has been in out 10 most popular Reviews for the past 4 months or so.

Then equally appealing are the Brighton brothers John and Henry Tyldeman who follow a much more different Pop direction. Their second EP, Happy Days, was more of a mini album (our review is here ) and now we have the debut album and what a cracker it is.

They've toured with both The Divine Comedy and Haircut 100, so you can guess where they fit in. This is Pop Rock of the highest quality, easily directed to Soft Rock and Indie Pop, incredibly harmonic vocally with big arrangements and lyrical adeptness, but most importantly, fun.

The brothers write the songs, John handles the vocals, Henry the keyboards, but the group itself mould together to make these arrangements work. They were first brought to attention due to long time Anything Should Happen favourite, Paul Steel producing via the Brighton connection and he does a sterling job of producing and mixing here. His Pop Rock chops aid the impressive harmonies.

These songs take on multi directions in the same song. There are plenty of examples, but the masterpiece that is The Contended Commuter is the best example. A little Indiscreet era Sparks in parts, it chops and changes at random, almost three or four songs in one. 

At times, there is a slight Jellyfish feel at others 70s Pop Rock. There is also a slight vaudeville feel which provides a wonderful eccentric feel. There is so much to impress here. Pop songs built up into cracking variety and quirks. Go Buy! Magnificent.

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You can listen to and buy the album here. The album is available on Vinyl, CD and as a download. You can find more about the band here.

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