Lead singles "Never Never Again" and "Star" gave us our first tastes of Was It Always This Way and indicated a real forward progression in this group's skills since 2021. Further proof is offered with "I Can Tell", a gem of a song which seems to be blending early Felt and the rhythm track from "Can't Be Sure" by The Sundays. It's bright, and smartly rendered, and one could say that about all of this too brief record. The boy/girl-harmonies of "Darling" give that one a sugary edge, while the fine "Everlasting Happiness" uses a similar vocal approach for a tune more languid and down-tempo.
Real Numbers reveal no missteps made on Was It Always This Way. For an imprint with a remarkable hitting streak of late, this Slumberland Records release is a ringer. It's such a supremely good listen that it sounds as if it is some lost classic from 1987 from the opposite side of the Atlantic. This reviewer isn't suggesting that Real Numbers are slavishing recreating an old style, but that their influences are obviously good ones, and ones which have been perfectly subsumed in their own fine indie-pop. Real Numbers make this kind of thing their own, and offer enough listening pleasures here as to make the brief Was It Always This Way feel like a rich feast.
Was It Always This Way by Real Numbers is out on Friday via Slumberland Records.
[Photo by Adam Schaburg]