After parting ways with their label and going independent, Blossoms are back with their 5th album Gary, titled to honour an 8-foot fiberglass gorilla. This lighthearted sentiment has run through the veins of the Stockport 5-piece since their inception back in 2013, and while their past work has often offered the odd heartfelt moment, the band made their name writing indie-pop singalongs. With respect to this, the band have in no way tried to reinvent themselves with Gary, however there are definitely signs of growth and maturity within this record.
The album kicks off with Big Star, where a hard-hitting groove leads the way. It’s exactly what you want from an opener, the guitars and vocal delivery are reminiscent of The Strokes, and it draws you in and sets the album up perfectly. Lead single What Can I say After I’m Sorry? keeps the energy going, but with a funk/disco edge to it. The first of two songs on this record produced by Jungle, the influences are unashamedly clear, however it’s a well-played and welcome collaboration, and offers a fresh take on the classic Blossoms sound.
Title track Gary is whimsical in its nature, but I can’t help but feel it lets the album down a little. The lyrics are certainly unique, however the formulaic melody takes away from what, on the whole, is a fresh and exciting record, and it wouldn’t feel out of place on any of their previous releases. I Like Your Look, however, brings you right back into the groovy, dance-inspired territory. Featuring Irish singer-songwriter CMAT, this track is a perfect example of how a little experimentation in the studio can go a long way.
Nightclub, as the name might suggest, draws heavily on disco inspirations, and is the second track produced by alt-pop band Jungle. While the lyrics don’t exactly push into uncharted territory, with talk of an attempt to sneak into a club, the song offers a more gentle touch to what has been a fairly energetic album so far.
With the second half of the record, Blossoms settle into a more sentimental mood. Perfect Me is a euphoric, hopeful song, and is one that has grown on me considerably upon multiple listens. Mothers and Cinnamon touch on themes of the innocence of childhood friendships and relationships, and while the lyrics are somewhat surface level, they serve the songs well. The closing track Why Do I Give You The Worst Of Me? brings the energy back, but the polished groove is replaced by a slightly raw edge. This change is a tasteful wrap to the album, with an honest, more introspective approach to the lyrics.
Gary is not an album that takes itself too seriously: it’s joyous, it’ll make you smile, but it won’t change your life. Nonetheless, it is a solid offering for Blossoms’ 5th record, and subtle evolution from band who stubbornly refuse to stagnate.
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Article By Ben Smith
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