From the first one-two punch, bang bang, opening notes of French Navy, this LP sets out its intentions as an uplifting, picnic on the beach sort of affair.  Wicker basket, bone china and ginger beer, in fact.  Affable and catchy, this eleven-track release is the band's fourth long player in thirteen years and is appropriately mature.  As well as rummaging through a bucket bag full of emotions, the songs on here showcase a number of complementary musical styles without ever resorting to pastiche.  Stand-out songs include the uptempo Honey in the Sun, the toy band hup-two-three-four of Swans and the title track itself, a thumping diamond set in a sea of swirling, rising, saxophone and strings. Mitherer

Write a Review