There is not enough great Guitar Pop in the world. This is even more appropriate and relevant in the UK, so thank goodness for Glasgow five piece, Former Champ. After two fine EPs, we get the debut album and it is incredibly upbeat.
Focus may be on Claire McKay, as it tends to be on female lead singers. She has a fantastic set of pipes, but this lot are the sum of their parts. I Saw You In Paradise is so obviously an album that was recorded by a band in the same space and it shows.
You would expect any Glasgow band to Jangle, Former Champ offer a little, but largely the sound is much wider and bigger. Beautifully arranged and performed, this is an album that restores positivity in a negative world. It is so damn melodic.
I could embed any of the 10 songs, so there isn't really a stand out, but I'm gonna mention a few of the tracks. I Promise (I'm Not Usually Like This) is lyrically angsty, but built on a glorious joyful riff. More Than You Give could be Garbage if they concentrated on the melodic more and less on the show off fuzz.
Running Back is top notch Power Pop, Kawasaki very 80s Glasgow Jangle Pop. Jonny is melancholic and moody, darker than what else is on show. Troubled Little Mind is anthemic, a perfect statement of intent half way through the album.
What is so special about I Saw You In Paradise is that lyrically, the band seem to care and deal with sadness by dressing it in life affirming instrumentals that make these incredible Pop songs resonate. They leave you much happier than before you listened. Guitar Pop is back folks!
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl and as a download.
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