Sometimes you get an album sent through at just the right moment. Sat here crouched over my desk staring at the sunshine outside, listening to all sorts of things to get me in the summer mood, I received an email from Glasgow based Friends In America offering the sounds of “many leather bound books, ‘Clarity-era’ Jimmy Eat World and Mogwai”.
Though I’m not really sure what to expect, I’m rather intrigued, so I hit play on ‘What It Is To Be’ and sit back for a listen. I’m instantly lifted to a sunny road trip, soundtracked by the band’s shimmering, mathy, indie pop rock.
The album, constructed over two years, is an absolute gem, and each of the seven tracks is a pleasure to listen to. ‘Quietly Quietly’ is probably the standout track on display, but the album meanders in that uplifting way that draws you in for repeated and prolonged listens. Matthew Rawlings’ vocal glides with character over the subtly excellent musical backing underneath, and it’s obvious straight away that Friends In America have pulled off something special here.
Straight up there as one of the best of its class this year, Friends In America have done everything right with ‘What It Is To Be’, so if you’re looking for something joyful and refreshing to listen to in the middle of the glorious heatwave we’ve got going on at the moment, I urge you to look no further. Lovely stuff.
TOM AYLOTT