Francis Lung “Miracle”
It’s a rare thing when you get a bedroom pop album that cuts really deep emotionally, as well as melodically. Wales UK artist Tom McClung aka Francis Lung’s new LP ‘Miracle’ accomplishes this with both simplicity and layered atmospherics that help give the songs an immediate quality but also keeps you coming back for repeat plays. Influenced by early Emitt Rhodes and Todd Rundgren, Lung’s style is more akin to Elliot Smith vocally, and Field Music musically.
The stilted intro gives way to the confident “Bad Hair Day” then the fast tempo guitar riff suddenly cuts to a slow choral in the bridge. The ballad “Blondes Have More Fun” is a powerful story of depression, then “Miracle” is another quiet song that grows in dense sound before it’s again cut short. The centerpiece “Don’t Call Me Baby” is a brilliant single that reflects on growing abuse and the driving hook and rich arrangements bring it home. “Want 2 Want U” is another compelling tune and “Uncommon” boasts a melody with experimental key changes all over the place. While mostly melancholic, this is a lush personal statement that should not be missed. Highly Recommended.
The Mergers “Three Apples In The Orange Grove”
Liam? Is that you? Just kidding. German quartet The Mergers is very much influenced by British ’60s rock, with huge guitar riffs opening up on the frantic “Outta My Way,” combining the best of The Who and Oasis. The excellent “Herman” has an echoing retro psych-pop feel, but with even more power and hooks, and it’s a big highlight here. It slows the tempo for the dream-like “Seekin’ For The Light” and a few other songs, but we love those big hooks and deep bass. The band is happy to out-rock Oasis on “Till You Get Me,” “Better Days,” and “End of The Day.” The reverb-drenched sound creates a really awesome party vibe.
In some sense, the mid-tempo gems “Right As Rain” and “Maybe All You Need Is Time” feel more like lost hits similar to Outrageous Cherry. The addition of jangle and harmonies are very inviting, but here is where they should have lowered the reverb volume, so we can hear those vocals better. While not every song sticks, more than enough do, and it makes this a highly recommended album.