Duo Jill O’Sullivan (Sparrow & The Workshop) and Jenny Reeve (Strike the Colours) have been performing as BDY_PRTS around Scotland for at least 5 years now.
During that time, they have released a string of singles but ’Fly Invisible Hero’ (self-released on Aggrocat Records on Friday) is their long-awaited debut album.
It’s probably fair to describe ‘Fly Invisible Hero’ as an indie-pop record. But if that conjures up thoughts of 80s-style Byrds copyists then you would be dead wrong. Instead the duo manage to balance elements of their previous bands with a more pop-orientated feel.
Opening track (and first single) ‘I.D.L.U.’ is probably the song that is closest to S&TW in sound with plenty of guitars and Jill’s distinctive delivery. Yet, even here, that sound is updated by electronic touches, most notably the percussion, supplied by uber-drummer Jonny Scott. From then on though the band are bolder in exploring different avenues.
Side one of the album contains the majority of the pop tunes of which the delightful ‘Rooftops’ is probably the pick – its verse and bridge perfectly setting up a wonderful chorus. Both ‘Welcome’ and current single ‘Take It To The Top’ operate in similar upbeat melodic territory with a nice modern sheen.
‘Cold Shoulder’ marks a turning point on the record. Sure, it is another pop tune but it sounds much closer to the mainstream with a heavy electronic influence which is developed further throughout side two.
There’s little that’s indie about the pair of songs, ‘Breathe (In)’ and ‘Breathe’, as the band explore more downbeat electronica even if the latter climaxes with an unexpected strings finale. That more reflective mood is further developed on ballad ‘Ghost in The Maze’ which operates in similar sonic territory.
Previous single ‘Warrior’ is the sort of number that provokes Kate Bush comparisons whilst the album concludes with ‘45’ – a song that not only returns to the big hooky choruses of side one but also best illustrates how well Jill and Jenny have combined indie and pop sensibilities.
Ultimately ‘Fly Invisible Hero’ is a fine modern pop album that will surely appeal not just to their previous audience but also to more general pop fans.
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