Blossoms’ fourth effort is their most mature work to date, a relatively brief 37-minute effort that dials down the synthesizers a bit and tackles the topics of writing, finding love and continual growth.
This isn’t the sort of album that will convert the uninitiated, but those who love this band (and their stature has only been growing in Britain, with some festival headlines and such), this is yet another mostly-winning entry. There’s an overly precious air to some of the music, though, a little too mannered and nice (especially on “Care For” and “The Sulking Poet,” not to mention the brief walk-on classical instrumental “The Writer’s Theme.”
There are some moments that stand out; the racing acoustic “Ode To NYC” has strong Paul Simon vibes, “Cinerama Holy Days” has a minor-key piano figure that gives an unsettling air to the song, and “Visions” is a minor indie pop gem, a confident seven-minute piece with the most poignant lyrics of the album: “Was I complete at 23? … I’m lost somehow, more than you’ll ever know / I’m running down my old street / in a light show of emotion now / my youth, it lies behind me.” This moment never gets easier, as artist after artist has had to face adulthood head-on.
However, “Born Wild” is not only worth the price of admission, and is not only Blossoms’ best song to date, but it is one of the best songs of the last couple of years. There’s a vague ’80s-alternative feeling to the guitar picking and overall sound, which provides the anchor to the layered voices. Tom Ogden swaths his voice in echo and what sounds like a choir joins in at times, adding an ethereal aspect to the choruses, the bridge and the outro. It’s not dissimilar to those old Moody Blues records where they layered their voices (think “Gypsy”), and combined with the guitar arpeggios and the singing, it will transport the listener. It may not be as effective in concert, but you’ll be scrambling to hit the repeat button on the album version, such is the power of the track.
So that leaves the album with one great song, several good songs and several songs that, frankly, could use some grit and a kick in the arse. Sounds like a Blossoms record to me, and one fans will enjoy.