With endorsements from the likes of James Dean Bradfield, Gruff Rhys and John Peel, along with support from a large section of the music press this nomadic four piece look set for a bright future. Having met at Art College in Falmouth the first incarnation of the band then took shape in Brighton. When keyboard player Mary Wycherley moved to Newport so did the other three, finally settling in Cardiff having hooked up with local label Big Noise Recordings.
This, their debut album, comes hot on the heels of re-released Peel favourite 'Radar Intruder'. A curious collection of contrasting styles and out-there lyrics, it seems as though they have finally found their spiritual home, rubbing shoulders with the Super Furries and Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
Within the space of one track they are capable of violent mood-swings and dramatic gear changes. One minute gentle, soothing and psychedelic, the next angular, ferocious and howling at the moon. Opener 'Floaters' quite literally floats into life with ethereal vocals and ambient textures before segueing into light pop and then exploding into a distorted fuzzy blast with Frank Black on the mic. As though the Beach Boys had challenged the Pixies to a tag team-wrestling match the track then switches back and forth with relative ease. 'Fixation With Long Journeys' follows much the same format mixing country tinged, mellow verses with a big riffing chorus and a spaced-out finale.
Their best moments however, come when employing a more singular, melancholic acoustic style. 'Unstraightforwardtune' with its light harmonies, fragile vocals and soothing guitar work is reminiscent of Grandaddy. While tender finale, 'Step From The Casket' with its warm country strum and heartfelt delivery will have you reaching for the Kleenex.
An ambitious and wide-ranging affair, 'Fixation With Long Journeys' at times trips over it's own feet. A little too disjointed and self-conscious for comfort it doesn't have the natural cohesive quality of the output of Sparklehorse or the aforementioned SFA.
Having said that there are more than a few moments to cherish and now that they're firmly rooted, in time they may well blossom.
