Allen Clapp - Whenever We're Together

  by Gary Wollen

published: 6 / 4 / 2003

Label: Bus Stop
Format: CDS

intro

"Fine" indiepop solo EP from the excellent Orange Peels' frontman, Allen Clapp

I came by Allen Clapp via the excellent Orange Peels and, in particular, their rather fine and mighty pop album from 1997 called ‘ Square’. It is a splendid album and heartily recommended from these quarters. This single is released by the Bus Stop label, who are building quite a reputation in indie circles.’ Whenever We’re Together’ is a fine tuning of the man's obvious and not unsubstantial song writing talents that he established with the aforementioned band. His ear for a delicate pop melody and bubblegum aesthetic renders itself perfectly for the songs assembled here. His chief ability, in my book, is to select and arrange the utmost orchestration and instrumentation required for a particular song. ‘Whenever We’re Together’ has me off my guard to start with. When the verse kicks in it reminds me of Elton John’s ’Daniel’ (Teenage reference point there!). Don’t underestimate Mr Clapp though as he’s a wry old fox and knows when to turn a song on its head. I sense he knows any misgivings will be blown away by a highly catchy pop chorus that brightens the darkest day and wipes the merest thought of Dame Elton away for good. 'Sad September' is redolent of Terry Hall and from a similar canon and of equal quality. In fact, I’d love to hear Terry sing this song. The smattering of strings and a distinct 60’s backing vocal add a regal elegance to a sparse minimal instrumentation. Put quite simply this is a beautiful, lilting love song. ‘Night Falls’, the last track, is acoustic and drum lead and benefits from a space that is added from a deliberately omitted bass guitar. Again this is a lilting love song that differs from 'Sad September' in that it lays down a more melancholic tone and rounds off a fine CD for lovers of fine pop and lovers per se.

Track Listing:-