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Written by Joseph Harper
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Monday, 16 November 2009 18:43 |
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I fell in love with THE GLADEYES at the inaugural Camp A Low Hum. Not the kind of “oh I love this band”-love... Genuine “heart swells when I see them walk back to their tent”-love. There is something immensely attractive about the Auckland based art-pop pairing of Gwen Norcliffe and Jade Farley (not too mention whomever happens to be making up their consistently phenomenal backing band). A fact which is surely not hampered by the knack their songs have for sounding like they were all written for, or about you (the humble listener). I'm certainly not alone in my amour; their wide-eyed longing, and ability to make melancholy sound like candy floss, have seen The Gladeyes become one of New Zealand's most adored little delights. Genuine cult heroes, the likes of which many a man-boy in a cardie has spent starry nights dreaming about. And though it's true that this is all too much for some, and others just plain don't get what all the fuss is about. I'm almost certain however that their debut full length offering, 'Psychosis Of Love', is set to show them just what all the fuss is about. |
A little research reveals reasonably steady (if a little sparse) artistic output from Farley and Norcliffe since they joined together under their present moniker in 2003; including four ep's, three DVD movies, and a single on Florida based purveyors of fine pop gems, Cloudberry Records. 'Psychosis Of Love', is the reward for those who have invested their affections in the band over the past years, and a treat awaiting those new to them. Full of typical Gladeyes fare: teary eyed optimism, oh so soft vocals, the odd surprisingly aggressive guitar turn, and understated moments of lyrical brilliance; 'Psychosis Of Love' will certainly not disappoint. However, some unexpected twists in the production of the album will keep you guessing. These are the same bedroom tributes to The Carpenters and Jonathan Richman, but why'd the guitar suddenly drop out of the mix leaving the girls sounding even more naked and forlorn than ever? And -by god- where did those thunderous drums come from? Toeing the line very well, The Gladeyes keep you feeling comfortable, while occasionally managing to startle as well.
It's all very lovely. Opening track 'Monika', seems to make the girls intentions clear. The song is a Gladeyes staple from their previous 'Heartful Of Love' EP, but new life has been breathed (literally) into the song by a scratchy introduction of huffing, puffing, and “I've been playing all the girls, in the world"... until a drum track kicks the song into a groove. Mid-album comes an absolute stunner with the one-two punch of 'Bad Town Blues'; what has to be one of the most faultless pop songs I've ever heard (hook after hook after hook... the slight variation in the last “no more bad town blues” knocked me for six), and 'There He Goes'; featuring not only a nod to The La's, but the aforementioned thunderous drums, and some very nice rhythm guitar work which wouldn't sound out of place on a Jesus and Mary Chain ballad. The album feels cohesive even with the inclusion of two (somewhat curious) covers.
Essential listening for getting hearts nice and warm for summer. Good on you girls. |
