Cuckoo Clocks - Frontiers of a Seductive Mind

  by Nicky Crewe

published: 18 / 7 / 2017

Label: Cuckoo Clocks
Format: LP

intro

Inspiring and unique late 1960's/early 1970's California-influenced second album from Sheffield-based psychedelic/country six-piece, the Cuckoo Clocks

This is the second release from the Cuckoo Clocks. The line-up has shifted since their first release, 'The Madness of Order'. Paul Infanti and Sophie Townsend are still involved, but joined by Tracy Deakin on vocals, Paul Blakeman on drums, James Alexander Holmes on bass and Richard Gibson on guitar. At their recent album launch they were joined on stage by backing singers, the Up North session orchestra, Liam Walker on guitar, Simon Stafford on percussion, Graham Mc Elearney on the harp and Matt Howden, (The Mighty Sieben). This collaborative, connected approach seems to be very much a feature of the Sheffield music scene. Like the city’s famous trees, its music is made up of deep roots and wide branches. Paul Infanti was part of Treebound Story with Richard Hawley. They have known one another since infant school and John Peel was a big fan. Richard Gibson is part of Antique Doll, currently getting a lot of support via the BBC and 6Music. Sophie Townsend is a DJ and producer. "All parts created by the players, crafted into songs by Paul Infanti..." It’s not often that you see such a co-operative statement in the liner notes. The songs are on themes of love, changes, perceptions and future games, perfect for this mix of western psychedelia. The opening track,' Be The One', shows off Paul Infanti’s distinctive vocals. On Before the Dawn he and Tracy Deakin share the lead. 'Here It Comes' is eerily anthemic. 'Spellboun'd is a mood-shifting song with Tracy Deakin’s vocals providing a dramatic delivery. 'Look Again' is gorgeous, taking us to the frontiers of the seductive mind via 1970's California with its uplifting melody and heartfelt harmonies. 'Older Than the Sun' makes the most of Infanti and Deakin’s vocals with a slightly sinister mood . 'Broken Stone' takes us back to California dreaming with its lovely harmonies. The final track 'Release the Storm' leaves us in a psychedelic haze. Sheffield has been compared to California without the sea. This may come as a surprise to those of you that don’t know the city. It may even sound ridiculous. But think back to what you have heard of those heady Topanga Canyon days, when all the musicians we know and love, from Joni to Jackson, the Lovin’ Spoonful and the Mamas and the Papas, the Eagles and the Byrds were playing together, influencing and inspiring one another. There’s something of that shared philosophy in Sheffield, City of Makers, City of Sanctuary. There’s also a bohemian, organic, home made, DIY ethos whether it’s about music or art, crafts or cooking, brewing or poetry. So when a Sheffield band describe their music on their Facebook page as West Coast, psychedelic, country-tinged soul, they know what they are talking about. There’s a real feel for the psychedelic and the soulful, for Americana and country and western in this corner of South Yorkshire. Paul Infanti mentions influences that include Fleetwood Mac and the Byrds, Arthur Lee (another Singing Cowboy) and Love, The Band and the Doors. I can hear Jim White, Gram Parsons, Spirit, Jefferson Airplane and Neil Hannon’s Divine Comedy in the music too. I mention these well known names to give you a sense of what Cuckoo Clocks are about, but theirs is unmistakably original music of the best sort. They are keeping the flame alight with their songs. From the sleeve notes again: "The making of this record was fuelled by love, smoke and red wine". It also celebrates the potential of the Sheffield music scene and its musicians. Cuckoo Clocks currently plan to share their music through radio play and specially made videos rather than through live appearances, so if you do get a chance to see them live, grab it. In the meantime seek out those frontiers of a seductive mind.

Track Listing:-

Band Links:-