Collecting material from Glasgow outfit National Park has gotten (thankfully) easier now due to this superb new compilation on Errol's Hot Wax. Outside features tunes from this indie group in need of further discovery. Featuring John Hogarty (guitarist with The Pastels since 2010), Scott Walker (Speedboat), and Sushil Dade (Future Pilot A.K.A.), and with contributions from Bill Wells and Alasadair Roberts, crafted music that was special and immersive.
Opener "The Only Stars" earns comparisons to Yo La Tengo, while the expansive "Sterling" is a gorgeous instrumental that seems to tap into something elemental like those Floyd numbers around the time of Obscured by Clouds. Elsewhere, "National Park" is ruminative and rootless, a guitar exploration with hushed vocals that positively transfixes. You can sort of hear American things like Slint filtered into the sound here, but National Park still make this distinctive. "No More Rides" is extraordinary. The guitar from Scott Walker is wonderful, and the whispered vocals from John Hogarty are subtle and affecting. In some weird way, it sounds a little like a warmer Dinosaur Jr., if that makes to anyone else but me.
Serving a need, this set from National Park fills in a gap for any fans deep into the indie of the Nineties. National Park didn't put out a ton of music but what's here is all great. Outside is essential. Given the folks in this band, and the ones who have contributed to these songs, it's something that nearly every reader of this site will find not only interesting but vital.
Outside by National Park is out this week on Errol's Hot Wax.
[Photo: Sarah Martin]
ionalpark.bandcamp.com/album/outside">outside by National Park