Better get August on the move! The Listening To This Week Playlist really does throw up some beauties. On this week's is Houses by Chicago's Half-Scratches. Wherever possible, I investigate submissions further, because ultimately we are an Album Review place.
After being really impressed by Houses, I followed on and found the album that was released in January and it is an absolute cracker. I know little about them and they give away little, but this seems to be largely, the solo project of Josh S Coombs-Broekema.
It is an incredible listen, largely the Pop Rock, UK New Wave and Power Pop that we adore. But for such a self produced debut album, the scope and sheer bravado is utterly commendable. Vocals are multi tracked and layered and rather just rely on the quality of the songs, which would be more than enough, there's a plethora of unexpected instruments.
These instruments drag you in further with their quirkiness. Few albums add Melodica, Stylophone, Radio Shack Concertmate, Melodica and Octave Mandolin to the more straightforward, Bass, Guitar and Drums and they enhance the inventiveness.
Houses is pure London 1978 Stiff Records and yet Corporeal is so Sparks, just as innovative as the Mael Brothers always are. Both Everything Is Off and Funny I Gave It Up are pure 70s Pop Rock. Pain Goes Solo even ventures into Psych Pop.
Half-Scratches as an album does the melodic and straight ahead easy, but it excels when more chances are taken. Another Chaconne is joyful 80s New Wave and the closer,Dance On The Table is a wonderful multi directional masterpiece. The album is at Name Your Price, so what have you got to lose? The whole listen is exceptional.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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