Staff Reviews
I_Am_Ampersand - Grave Goods
A rather lovely mix of Syd Barrett, late-period Beatles/George Harrison and the Beta Band that rarely soars, but is never less than charming.»
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500 copies on the great pop supplement. following 2 instant sell out 45s also on the gps, matthew hainsby releases his wonderful debut solo full length for the label. better known as one part of brighton based kraut / electronic band fujiya and miyagi, 'grave goods' contains 12 understated, gorgeous pop nuggets. in some places a predominantly acoustic, motorik groove, in others a quietly understated, lo-fi, personal feel- always displaying a keen ear for subtle hook and melody. opening with the can like bass riff and multi layered vocals of 'lights and radios', the repetitive driving groove of 'under the microscope' then gives way to debut 45, the majestic '20 seas 4 oceans'. beautifully melodic yet motorik - a killer 45 and sounding no less awesome within the context of the full length here. other stand out cuts include the gorgeously fragile 'minus sign' and perfect pop of second single 'holding the negative up to the light' with it's wooden block percussion and killer nagging synth line. 'i thought i was alone' with it's beautiful slide guitar work and then the busy jam feel of 'stay'. ending with the fabulously icey, ghostly vocals to 'doom and gloom' and the epic, slow building and utterly wonderful title track. a beautifully charming, captivating record, deeply personal in places but never short on moments of perfect pop.
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