I am a massive fan of Alex Pester. I bore people by banging on to all and sundry about how great the young man is. He has released his second album of the year, the boy is prolific and this time he has fashioned up very different.
Almost England is a sort of coming of age Concept album about growing up in a small English Town. It is divided into five chapters, each chapter divided by an engaging instrumental. Pester has even gotten hold of Peter Daltrey of all people as an announcer.
At approaching 90 minutes, it is a double album. Unlike his previous work which has been very Pop based with numerous surprises and a real Lilac Time feel, Almost England is at times more Acoustic, a little Folky and certainly Pastoral.
There are the breakout moments which are inspired, but there is a gentler feel, soothing, yet intriguing. The songs are too many to mention all, but you will have heard the magnificent Una Stubbs on the Listening To This Week Playlist.
Where The Trouble Starts is gentle Psych Pop, very Stephen Duffy. England By Train shows the Acoustic side of the album and is really lyrical adept. Always Missing Busses is splendid Indie Pop and People Watching is great Psych, almost Pink Floyd 1967.
Pester is a major talent and we don't hear from a lot of those in the UK. The album is a big listen with 30 songs, but it is certainly worth the effort. Intellectual songs that celebrate the past, but also but a modern spin to proceedings. Pester keeps amazing me with what he comes up with.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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