Fruits de Mer Records (winkle 62)
I’ve been a big fan of the Soft Hearted Scientists since I first got introduced to them by Fruits de Mer way over ten years ago. Their psychedelic pop/rock/folk music has a weird appeal that I can’t really put into words. There’s something whimsical but at the same time deep in their vibe. This is an expanded 3LP set of their latest album originally released on CD last year on their own The Hip Replacement label. I don’t own the CD and always prefer vinyl so I am really happy about this release that also has an extra LP with sort of reconstruction of the song themes on side E and three instrumental mixes on the side F as bonus tracks!
The actual album (sides A to D) has 13 new tracks, some shorter interludes and reprises, some in the “normal” pop song range of 3 to 5 minutes, some longer, around 10-minute trips all leading to the 18-minute bonus track (side E). Nathan Hall really still have his talent to write great, catchy songs and all the musicians play really well. It’s hard to think of what other bands this might sound like, but I can hear some echoes of The Byrds and The Beatles, for example. But there’s plenty of more influences in the mix, for sure. Anyway, this is one of the band’s strongest albums without a doubt and no fan will be disappointed. Melodic, trippy and haunting, wonderful stuff.
www.fruitsdemerrecords.com/canton.html
www.softheartedscientists.com/
