I have been a massive Bombay Bicycle Club fan since the 2010 'Flaws' album, then after seeing them headline the Word Arena at Latitude in 2011, it was confirmed to me that they are one of my favourite UK bands.
When I heard that they had new material coming out in 2014, I got really excited about the possibility of another 'Ivy and Gold' summer anthem. They are truly the epitome of kicking back in the sun with a cold, crisp cider and good friends.
Then I heard the first single from the album, 'Carry Me' and I thought "Woah, when did Bombay Bicycle Club grow up?!". The sound on the single, feels dark and trippy, with that prominent baseline creating sore-neck-from-head-banging syndrome. This was not what I expected from their new material, and I have to confess, it took me a few listens to really appreciate their new sound. But once I understood the vibe they were gunning for, it quickly became my favourite song of the end of 2013. 'Carry Me' really left me wandering what the rest of their album would sound like, so I didn't hesitate to put a cheeky pre-order on.
Next came 'Luna', which began to fall back to their older roots, leaving me totally confused as to what to expect. But before I had long enough to let my head implode, the album came and all my questions were answered. The opening track, 'Overdone', again sounds new and fresh, with strings sampling looping throughout, and then begins that grungy indie sound I come to associated with Bombay Bicycle Club. It's a really strong opening track and I can really see this being released as a single at some point during 2014.
I decided my next paragraph would be to discuss two/three other tracks which I really love. But when I came to decide upon these tracks I physically couldn't. 'Eyes off You' deserves a special mention, thanks to it's stripped back musicality, making it sound absolutely euphoric. It's gushy love-song lyrics ("I can't take my eyes off you") don't even bare impact, as the track is completely beautiful, and couldn't carry any other lyrical theme. I have linked a live version of this song below, performed at Maida Vale, it's truly spectacular, and probably my favourite track from the record.
The whole album really is a masterpiece and I can already tell it's going to be one of my favourite albums of this year. The sound really is eclectic, with so many different styles and influences present.
My advice: buy this album.
(Also, try and see them live this year, I think they're going to be dominating the festival circuits)
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