Posted by Ride guitarist, GLOK producer, and all-round gent Andy Bell returns to his shoegaze roots on a fine new solo album.
Opening in the hazy rush of ‘Loves Come In Waves’, it’s psych-pop inflections lead into the more expansive climes of ‘Indica’ with its hypnotic electronic leanings. Album highlight ‘Cherry Cola’ is a sweet summer hymn, a neat Beta Band style jammer, while ‘Skywalker’ utilises that familiar Neu! rhythm in a startlingly direct guitar pop format.
At a mere eight tracks ‘The View From Halfway Down’ is a succinct solo statement, but there’s lots to explore, from the simplicity of 120 second miniature ‘Indica’ through to languid finale ‘Heat Haze On Weyland Road’. An artist who scarcely slows, Andy Bell offers a fine blend of psych-pop, folk finger-picking, and home made electronics, all within the familiar confines of his shoegaze day job. More, please.
7/10
Words: Robin Murray
Dig It? Dig Deeper! Ride, The Beta Band, Allah-Las
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