by

Rob Jones

We live in a world where sterile sounds surface and then dominate redundant radio reels. As a result the charts are overrun by pitiful microscopic nobodies. Meanwhile, reality television shows regurgitate the glories of pop past and re-package this commercial kudos for another generation. It is therefore hats off to anybody pointing their aural aerial down the avenue of ambition. The UK beats of Metronomy takes such a rhythm route and this fertile fare drops alongside the indie rock electro nu disco stances of MGMT, LCD Soundsystem, Daft Punk, !!! (Chk Chk Chk) and Hot Chip. Happy Days then!

Metronomy scored their first Top 10 album in 2013 with the critically-acclaimed Love Letters and after several long players a new work arrives on July 1, 2016. This new Summer 08 album thrives; with, its core of songs in the ascendency. These 2016 tunes are entirely written, played and produced by UK groove guru Joseph Mount and he says that its ten tracks are ‘straight up’ and ‘upbeat’ with his aims being to ‘write another banger, then another, and don’t really think about it.”

Guests such as Beastie Boys DJ Mixmaster Mike and Swedish superstar Robyn add to a late night post club party. The clever inserts of an astute ear also supplement the sonics e.g. Mick Slow sounds like a tribute to the playing of the late, great Japan bassist Mick Karn. The songs just flow with ease and the listener can relax in their majesty. The record nods to a feast of flavours but the pristine production makes this the most accomplished and accessible Metronomy long player to date.

The world needs more of this type of Devon cream enterprise as created by the likes of Metronomy Mount-and, there is definitely a call for less of the trowel of Cowell raking up old ground for new cash!