One of the latest trends in the UK that is gaining some real traction is the ‘neo-pysch’ movement (yea more genre labels!) – a dreamy mix of 60’s pop tunings, weather beaten California surf and British blurry trance/jangle pop. it’s seeming epicentre is Leeds a City that really only lays claim to British Goth.
Centred around three brothers The Seagulls is very much a collaborative effort and this their first recording has seen them hit the road in the UK to much acclaim. It’s not bad either though not something I’d recommend to rockers its far too light and trancey for that.
But if you like jangly pop and lazy hooks there’s plenty on offer: from the jaunty ‘Sycamore Circus’ which comes across like Madness on Psychedelic stimulants to the first single ‘Happy’ released as a single last year and the impetus for the long-player.
Aside from the cheeriness of the music there are sinister undertones everywhere you turn from the overt – like ‘Choke You in Your Sleep’ and the growly ‘Dracula’s Dinner Party’ to subtler touches on almost every other song. It gives a quirky edge that is either endearing or unnerving depending on your mood.
When they play it straight though like on ‘High Ceilings’ they do some of their best work. ‘Grape Soda’ might though even be a step to far into sugarland for many. I won’t write this genre off yet as a passing fad but I’m yet to hear the definitive statement. With a few more miles under the belt though it may well come from these guys.