This really starts to kick in on Frank de Salvo - a full blooded offering which pitches up the ability of the band to throw one out there. Wrapped around it you get a melancholic, summery feel on many tracks, which on the face of it goes against the grain of a Scottish band recording in Glasgow. A Saturday night after a few pints of heavy this isn’t. Instead you get a depth of dreamy music with the music dominating. And in no bad way. Anyone who can remember the ‘House of Love’ back in the 90’s will be familiar with the way the lyrics are presented. Slightly secondary to the music but in a way that supplements the music beautifully. You want to hear what the lyricists are offering but first of all you have to push aside the music. Or just peak behind it.
This really is an LP that will grow on you. Pauline Hynds’ vocals on Track 5 are excellent. Whilst credited as backing vocals she contributes much to this particular track. But there is much to choose from and whilst it doesn’t push the boundaries very often, what you get is a set of tracks that, together, make for an accomplished, enjoyable album. Hardly a weak track is to be found and the quality of the vinyl is exceptional which is an added bonus.
It concludes with a little more experimentation. The sadness of sex (Part 1) is a lovely, catchy track which begs the question of where is Part 2. And ‘You know I’m fine’ leaves you hanging for more. An excellent LP and one worth checking out…
