Birds.
I love birds (I do not classify pigeons as birds) when they're not biting my five year old fingers when all I was trying to do was feed them (that's you Mr Goose at Chorlton water Park). And it saddens me that the number of them is declining, big seabirds like the Albatross especially...
Gossamer Albatross are a dazzling quartet from Hereford. All four members are still in their teenage years unbelievably, three of them being classically trained. Puts my skills up to now to shame unfortunately.
They come across as extremely likeable and friendly, and their music swings and arches with precision and skill way beyond their years.
Their brand new, two-track single The Ground Will Take Us Down will be released soon on Bailiwick records (soon to be home to a Pengilly's EP!!) and was produced by none other than Hugo Manuel. GA have given The Ground Will Take Us Down a wonderful pace, that demands anticipation for the moment when Lewis' vocals (not disimilar to Zach Condon's) will reveal themselves at the beginning. From then on it writhes and wriggles through Geena, Reuben and Sam's giddy strings, as if it were an uncontrollable tide. All the while Lewis declares "This time it's different!/I'll make sure of that!" in a hand on heart exclamation, bound to send you flipping head over heels for this music...if you haven't already.
B-side Elizabeth, Queen of the Sea is more subdued. It takes a hold of your heart and leads it through the motions of the song, the slow beginning, the slumbering "A-aahs" and then onto the steady ascension of the track about two thirds of the way through. I particularly like the line "Down and down/The Ship went down...", in fact, I love all the lyrics to this song, it's sublime and enthralling. I've always had a soft spot for all things nautical, and this is no exception.
Gossamer Albatross released a debut EP earlier on in the year, when I first heard of them through fanzine Time For Heroes.
First track, Whispered Thoughts is anything but whispered. Lewis' voice takes on a very rich texture as he winds through the dipping lyrics "We walked home underneath the starry sky...And shattered into 1000 different pieces".
Raging Bulls, is a galloping feat of imagination that snaps at your heels through chopping strings and dangerous lyrics "Pack up your bags/Take to the cold, wet streets!".
Final track, Lake Laiture is nothing but an adventure. It's extremely reminiscent of Beirut, an opinion that GA must be getting used to..surely? I can also imagine travelling to this music too, which is always a good thing. My travelling music is the stuff that I'm praying won't become the victim of low battery because it's so. damn. good.
GA have a tour lined up for late October to take TGWTUD out on the road (24th @ Manchester Kro Bar) which will be wonderful, I'm sure.
Pre-order The Ground Will Take Us Down here.
Listen to Elizabeth, Queen of the Sea here.
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