I first ran across Playtone on download.com late 2005 and was impressed by the three tracks they had posted (Sleep On Sunday, Love Never Dies Of Starvation and the wonderfully titled I Love You But You Can’t Act). To discover that they were still together was a pleasant surprise. To discover they were still pushing their well crafted, lush power pop more delightful still.
If you’ve previously heard Playtone then it’s more of the same, if you haven’t allow me to try and fill you in. Round At My Place is all swirling acoustic guitars, solid steady bass lines, nice simple drum patterns and a clear strong vocal. You may never have heard this track before but it is so familiar you’ll feel like you have. Like your favourite jumper it makes you feel safe and warm inside and provides a perfect pick you up for these cold winter nights.
The most obvious comparison I can make is with The Trash Can Sinatras but that may be a little unfair to both bands. Where the TCS have often been a little too clever for their own good Playtone play it straight. This track has all the hallmarks of a future anthem.
It would be so easy to be cynical about Playtone as they don’t offer anything particularly original but to do so would simply be churlish. The song is so simple, yet so well constructed that it begs you to fall in love with it and simply seduces you with its casual beauty. Now bring on the album.
- The Strike Nineteens - 5 November 2008
- Billy Bragg - 13 April 2008
- Various Artists - 13 April 2008