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Every
now and then along comes an album that captures the moment. The
zeitgeist if you like. 'ark at me!
| "The
Thrills' album is no wallow in nostalgia or pastiche. It's almost
like an open love letter to Calif and the West Coast..." |
One
such is the debut album from Ireland's The Thrills, 'So Much
For The City', which has just been unveiled by Virgin.
From
the melancholic opening strains of 'Santa Cruz (You're Not That
Far)' to the closing bars of 'Til The Tide Creeps In'
- and a rather sumptious bonus track - it's one pop confection from
beginning to end.
Obvious
reference points for the young meteors include the Byrds, the Beach
Boys, Gram Parsons (most definitely), Neil Young and a large dose
of West Coast Americana, which they've either soaked up while living
out in San Diego - or back home, letting their collective imaginations
run riot in the Emerald Isle.
wistful
S'funny
because you wouldn't assume, on first hearing their music, that
these five hombres originate from Dublin!
And
the album is no wallow in nostalgia or pastiche. It's
almost like an open love letter to Calif and the West Coast, and
it makes me want to visit ASAP.
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The
Thrills wow the Glastonbury faithful
|
Judging
from that, the sound The Thrills conjure up is mostly mid-paced
rock - bar the stomping former single 'One Horse Town' and
the guitar-pickin' 'Say It Ain't So' - with a lovely, brooding,
almost wistful feel to it.
heart-tugging
Singer
Conor Deasy's voice has a plaintive feel that reminds me of the
breathy quality of The Zombies' Colin Blunstone.
And ten out of ten for producer Tony Hoffer, who watches and records
with an understated eye, always allowing the songs to breathe.
'So Much For The City' is an exquisitely made, heart-tugging
debut. One that oozes charm and offers ample evidence that these
Thrills guys could be THE ones to watch over the next few years.
All
they need now is the perfect backdrop: a long hot summer....
 listen
hear
The Thrills and 'Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)' from So Much
For The City click
here
(Real
Player required)
Hear
The Thrills and 'Big Sur'
from
So Much For The City click
here
add
your opinion
email me direct at: yourlondon@bbc.co.uk
useful
links
the
thrills: official site
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Listen live
Click
through amazing shots of London from high up in a helicopter!