The Cellophane Flowers songs reflect an eclectic array of influences, from tribal rhythms, alt-rock, tinged with dark ‘80s pop… the band tend to name-check Siouxsie, Sonic Youth, The Stone Roses and Throwing Muses as influences.
The Cellophane Flowers have recently completed the recording of their debut album Staring At World which is released digitally December 3, 2012. The ten tracks of Staring At The World were recorded and produced by David M. Allen. Dave’s extensive discography covers The Cure, Depeche Mode, Human League and The Charlatans. Mastering was Barry Grint (David Bowie, I Blame Coco) Alchemy Studios.
The album is out just in time for Christmas… We had an early listen:
Opening track ‘Voices’ is like hearing your own inner-workings popping away … it’s like listening to your own acids boiling … through the hose of a vacuum cleaner! Stick one end of the hose to your ear, and the other end to your rumbling stomach. You will reveal echoing, shadowy, radiated sounds. Syrupy drips gloop and droop down from dainty buds of voice that sprout here-and-there. The beat builds up, bubbling like a rising pudding on the boiler. This is a song that gurgles as it hisses along.
‘The Promise’ has a hearty fruitcake of percussion sounds (Nick Guy: Drums) and plenty of cadential flourishes. A sweet chorus pulls you in close. Maybe for a lingering kiss.
Next track, ‘Pendulum Eyes’ is adorned with diaphanous guitars (Ian Sumner.) The trembling voice is as shy as it is flighty. The 60’s sounding melody feels as light as a honey syllabub slurped in the sun. Yet there is something that does not sniff quite right here. When you scratch below the surface, you realise that the lyrics are dark, yet the sounds lead you astray.
Then ‘Forever Lost’ is offset by a simply strummed guitar. A solitary lost sheep signals its displeasure through a crack in the clouds. An image of fragmented moments, of desperate loss … and of wasted expectations. This feeling builds up and super-heats, as the song nears it’s end. Soon, perhaps, you will be released.
‘Tears Of A Clown’ is a faltering teeter down a sentimental road. Glistening guitars spindle out and gird the whittled song-structure, as it shakes precariously in a nervous breeze.
‘Rock N Roll’ has catapulting 50s-style drums and a battery of vaguely glamorous, purring riffs . A jerky rhythm keeps things kicking along. And that voice of Francesca Corradini moon-glows.
‘Belinda’ groans and trembles up to greet you. Pushing deep giant lumpy pillows of sound with it, the gritty voice sounds almost unpleasant – yet fascinating. But this song has darker undercurrents. It is about loss. And coming together after such a loss. Bitter sweet events. It would be easy to get choked in the weeds of guitar. So be careful. Don’t get dragged in.
‘Time’ [“He’s waiting in the wings...”] So David Bowie sang. And this song seems irresistibly drawn to ‘Prettiest Star’ era Bowie . The sequined, sullen voice recalls the images of burlesque vamp circa 1972. This song feels fancy, glam and pearly.
Then ‘Lucky Day’ has a long, slow rhythm to it. It’s as languorous as hanging out in your slippers and jim-jam bottoms. The wonky-wonky voice seems precariously perched on a bed of powdered sugar, like some kind of knobbly plastic groom perched on top of an imperious wedding cake. Grand – and unsure – in equal measure.
The album is completed with ‘In A Hole’. Initially written on a ukulele, this was always meant to be a sweet interlude track. Now it is utilised to define the entire album. It describes the timidity and doubt within all of us. Will we ever find our true place in the world?
This album is irresistible, modest and quirky. A fresh look at a colourful world – with just one eye open.
-© Neil_Mach November 2012 -
Link:
http://www.facebook.com/TheCellophaneFlowersUK
To celebrate one week till the release of “Staring At The World”, Cellophane Flowers are offering track ‘Tears of a Clown’ for FREE download here:
http://soundcloud.com/altpr/the-cellophane-flowers-tears/s-r5hfK
