Not ones for unduly rushing out releases, this Glaswegian collective may have met their match with their first album in six years.
Their fourth long-player comes courtesy of the Chemikal Underground imprint – once a prolific label which launched the careers of Mogwai, Arab Strap and bis, it was founded by Mercury nominees The Delgados, but has become less active since its owner’s split 15 years ago.
This album is however well entrenched in all things Scottish and indie, and Louis Abbot’s ensemble’s sound shares some of the sounds of their bosses – big, elegiac melodies, widescreen arrangements.
‘Sleepwalking’ is an understated opener – “What would you want with someone who’s only in love with the idea of you?” – while the confessional ‘The Grand National, 1993’ contrasting with ‘Dragonfly’, which bowls along with krautrock rhythms.
Another high point is ‘Tuesday Grey’, brooding but powerful, while closer ‘Soliton’ encapsulates this collection, and has something of a mini rock opera feel, swinging from bombast to quiet reflection, and concluding a release that’s well worth the wait.
‘The Idea Of You’ is out now. This article originally appeared in the Doncaster Free Press.