A few years ago, there was the usual new "movement" created by the music press. This particular movement seemed to be based on the fact that a lot of bands seemed to be emerging from Wales. In truth, that was the only factor that most of the bands lumped together had in common, but Gorky's Zygotic Mynci seemed to always be mentioned as one of the main contenders for greatness.

So what happened? While the Manics went on to conquer stadiums and serenade Fidel Castro, Catatonia shone brightly and briefly before checking into the inevitable rehab clinic, and the Stereophonics swept all before them before writing grumpy songs about shooting music critics, Gorky's were always the bridesmaids never the brides.

In fact they seemed to join the band they perhaps did most resemble, Super Furry Animals, as the nearly men of the Welsh music scene. Maybe it was that name, the Welsh lyrics, or the deliberate obtuseness of some of the songs. Whatever, it shouldn't matter anymore, because Gorkys Zygotic Mynci are back with a album that if there were any justice in the world, would see them become the biggest thing since Tom Jones' knicker collection.

This isn't an album to listen to though if you've just broken up with someone, or feel like shaking an angry fist at an uncaring world. This is an album full of gentle, pastoral lullabies, best listened to while snuggled up with your loved one, preferably in a sunny field somewhere. Which, granted, may be a bit difficult in the middle of September, but you get the general drift. The opening track Where Does Yer Go Now? sets the mood, with a piano and strumming guitars and Euros Child crooning "I saw the moon last night, it was shining". It all sounds very twee, but it makes a perfect kind of sense.

The usual influences are all present and correct, such as '60s psychedelia, but it's not as pronounced as on previous outings, resulting in the band's most accessible album. Indeed, this is most reminiscent of the hugely under-rated Teenage Fanclub. It comes as no surprise then, that Fanclub member Norman Blake makes a guest appearance of a couple of tracks. Elsewhere, These Winds Are In My Heart and Dead Aid could almost be a reformed Fairport Convention, and the single Stood On Gold recalls none other than Simon & Garfunkel.

Obviously, this isn't one for the nu-metal kids. In fact, in parts it makes Belle and Sebastian sound rather like Slipknot. Maybe some people may find it a bit too sweetly saccharine, but surely most folk tend to guiltily enjoy a bit of a sugar rush?

share:  Facebook | Digg | del.icio.us | more

from the archive Damon Albarn INTERVIEW Graham Coxon INTERVIEW Alex James INTERVIEW