If you like your guitar’s jangly, then look no further than Songs From Another Life, the sophomore album from indie rock duo The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness.
By way of introduction, the band are something of an atypical endeavour. The band’s two members – Gonzalo Marcos (from Spanish indie popsters El Palacio de Linares) and Andrew Taylor (from Scottish group Dropkick) – live in seperate countries. The band were basically socially distancing before it became all the rage. Songs From Another Country was recorded in two parts, in seperate studios, in seperate cities and countries.
The record’s contingent of bright, hook laden, jangly pop songs are the perfect antidote to the drudgery of an ongoing pandemic. There’s something reassuringly familiar about the band’s sound too; especially on tracks like “Play (On My Mind)” and “Rose Tinted Glasses”.
It’s a sound which has its roots in a whole selection of American music, from the likes of The Beach Boys and The Byrds right through to, dare I say it, The Rembrandts. But, perhaps inadvertently, it also taps into a certain section of Australian music too. Jangle Pop and “Dolewave” acts have proven popular with Australian audiences for years.
The album is perhaps a little one note. It’s relatively short run time of twenty-six minutes, does save it in that regard. That said, that opening salvo of “I Don’t Mind” through to “Rose Tinted Glasses” is a much welcome shot of positivity and optimism. One which helps the set the mood for the rest of the album. So, whilst there might not be masses of variation, it remains an album full of hooks, melodies, and just good solid pop writing. So, if it’s not broke, why try mess with a winning formula?
Songs From Another Life sees The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness ramp up their jangling guitars and pop song positivity. It’s a short, sharp, and summery antidote to the pandemic blues.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Songs From Another Life by The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness is out today, via Bobo Integral. Order your copy HERE.
You can keep up to date with the band via Facebook.
