ALBUM REVIEWS THE SUNCHYMES Present
The instant attraction of this album is secured by opening track ‘I’ll Call You Up Today’. A nimble sense of proficiency is called upon from the dynamics. That is reflected by the tidy rhythm which complements the approach. You sense that ‘Mellotree Park’ is a continuation somewhat but this time around the sound is developed further. As the delivery collects there is an overall invigoration which moves everything up a gear. You can draw suitable comparisons with a ‘Pet Sounds’ Beach Boys era on this one because of the intricacy on show in the overall layout. You sense the influence of Wilson with ‘Time Will Tell’. This is another tune that is something of a revelation to hear. How the arrangement is tidied away holds the fluidity but steps out with marked proficiency. Again that invigorated appeal takes you along for the ride with ‘Wondering’. The efficiency of the 60’s revisionist styling checks all the boxes here. The largesse of the orchestration embraced gives the scope something that is developed in a truly fundamental way. While ‘Carousel Girl’ has a trip the light fantastic vibe to it that saunters through, there is a lightness of touch that lingers tellingly. The softness of the piano gifts it a bespoke quality that plays through like a dream, and, alongside the ushering of the vocals, finds a noted sense of completion as it all comes together. There is something signature about ‘Mr. Buckstone’ that works and falls short in equal measure.
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The efficient touches of play in the delivery suffer from a sense of redundancy. There is however an inspired jouessance but it somewhat feels over-reliant on the same approach as the other tracks. Lyrically ‘Have You Seen The New?’ moves up a gear and the interesting distinction moving through with the playing arcs adds contention to the running. It is a smoother transition with a heightened emphasis on the arrangement giving it salvation. But there is depth on show that lines up prominently with the outlines. The lightness of touch that presides over ‘Lady Gracious’ guides it through from the off. That accentuation carries the delivery through with real significance. The intricate touches prevail, not just in the instrumental work but also the harmony, and this is what draws you in. With how the vocals are kept in check, a tidy calling gathers on ‘Through My Eyes’ that is smartly worked. The balance of the instrumental exchanges integrates into the structure in a way of note. Then we come to ‘Pictures In My Mind’. The opening here is incredibly solid and is one that is carried through with real confidence. How that seeps through in the structure is carefully considered. This lends it a refined presence that is carefully factored in to the overall presentation. The album closes out with ‘Centuria’. They channel their inner Pink Floyd by bringing the listener on a careful musical odyssey. That is mirrored in the clever way that the ebb and flow are controlled within the alternative structures on show. Yet there is also an impressive level of ambition that abounds with the scope and range displayed, and does save the best until last in every sense of the word.
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