The Blusterfields have been a watchword for variety since their 2022 debut and with an album a year since, we now reach their fifth and this is probably the album they've always threatened to make. The North Carolina five piece are at the top of their game.
At their most Poppy perhaps, they still offer up a heady collection of Pop Rock, Power Pop and Psych Pop and retain their social conscience. When the single, Mr Secretary appeared on a recent Listening To This Week Playlist, many of you remarked on how XTC it sounded.
They've also had that in them and here there are four or five songs that fit that category, all would fit on latter-day XTC albums, most notably the magnificent Juniper Tree. But these lot are no XTC copy band, there is far more than that to enjoy.
There is the splendid Psych Pop depth of Goldenrod, the New Wave opener Any More, which is a little vintage Vegas With Randolph and the cross between Garage Rock and Glam Rock that is I've Never Been To Detroit.
Elsewhere, there is the joyful Guitar Pop of Title Town and the moodier broodier of Inches Away and the UK New Wave groove, of Here Come The Idiots. The latter most describes what the band are lyrically about, anti-fascism that is dressed up in a great arrangement.
Thoughts & Prayers is beautifully arranged and performed. Largely Guitar Pop and of the highest quality. The band have a way with a lyric and an instrumental change of direction. Album Of The Year potential without a doubt.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on CD and as a download.
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