As with the first album there's more to Smith and Mudd than a few pretty deep house tracks. We start with 'New sofa' a lovely mid-afternoon, pastis drinking, ambient piece before entering 'Genoa's gentle tribal drums and chants, another classic Smith & Mudd bassline. 'Little Millie' comes next, a totally infectious latin groove and what a guitar line! The flute solo ain’t bad either.
‘The delivery man' does exactly what it says on the tin, delivering a killer groove, rolling percussion and an infectious guitar lick. The album title track then heads off into spookier territories - feel the sitars. Psyche-balearic anyone? My personal favourite. 'Two Rivers' drops next with it’s Ashra-vibed guitars layered over another epic bass line. Also it features the first vocals of the CD. A direction I can definitely see S&M taking in the future and perfect for those summer holidays to come. ‘Ninety three’ is a spaced out, slo-mo killer with a cheeky little GET UP vocal refrain. It’ll sound great at 6am with the sun rising over the Adriatic.
'Wem' gets it's second airing on CD after debuting on a compilation last year. It’s companion piece, 'The Waiting' is probably the greatest Cafe del Mar sunset track you've never heard (unless you bought the super ltd 7”). There’s a distinct eastern flavour to this beauty.
Finally, 'Annette Road's' Betty Blue-esque harmonicas bring a suitably gentle end to a truly lovely listening experience.
As you drift off towards the end of this album you realise Smith & Mudd have pulled off something very special here. |
