Criminally underrated indie stalwarts Bubblegum Lemonade are back. The new record, Lawrence of Suburbia is well worth your time if you're a fan of what we cover here. And the Matinée Recordings release also earns points for a title which seems to reference both the singer of Felt and a David Bowie soundtrack record.
Lawrence McCluskey, the main fellow here, has a knack for crafting simply effective numbers which mine the rich traditions of indie-pop. "Never Have I Ever", a highlight here, conjures up C86 vibes, even as "The Sweetest Reverie" adds a dash of early Go-Betweens to the mix. Elsewhere, "She Comes in Rainbows" nods in the direction of both Television Personalities and very early Primal Scream. The absolutely stunning "You'll Know the Angels" is less jangle-rock and more chamber pop, and the cut is something that fans of bands like The Left Banke, The Divine Comedy, and The Clientele should really warm to.
Lawrence of Surburbia is full of moments which hit the sweet-spots of the form I love so much. Bubblegum Lemonade serve up this sort of thing with a real ease, and each cut has a hook, and enough chiming guitars, or winning vocals to please fans like me.
Lawrence of Suburbia by Bubblegum Lemonade is out now via Matinée Recordings.
[Photo: Bubblegum Lemonade Facebook page]