Lush - Blind Spot

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 16 / 6 / 2016

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Review

Lush were never up there for me amongst the shoegaze greats. I always considered them as a Friday night at the ULU sort of band. My best friend recently discovered them and was like a child before Christmas when I told him they were back. This is their first new material in twenty years and since 1996, and, apart from My Bloody Valentine, they are the first band of the shoegaze era to actually issue new material on the back of a reunion. And it's definitely worthy of their legend. Released on their own label but in the style of a 4AD release, this is very beautifully presented. Miki Berenyi, Emma Anderson and latter era Lush bassist and general bass legend, Phil King, are joined by former Elastica drummer Justin Welch, who was a friend of the original drummer, Chris Acland, who sadly committed suicide. I have to say, even being a fair weather fan, this is an amazing piece of music, as was their hometown reunion in Camden Town at The Roundhouse in May. 'Out of Control', the lead track, has the smell of the classic Lush sound, and, with its swaying acoustic guitar and dreamy, sugar sweet vocals, it feels as if there're never been away. 'Lost Boy' is definitely the right side of lonesome gazing, and has the added bonus with the delay on its guitar of being reminiscent of the Cure. It somehow captures the exotic, weird and sleazy feel of 1973's film 'The Wicker Man'. 'Burnham Beeches' is the brighter side of Britpop, sunny and bright-eyed. extra shiny with the brassy drive of the Boo Radleys. 'Rosebud', which ends the EP, is more reflective but heart warming, combining the delivery of Bobby Wratten with the Cocteau Twins. A fine return and definitely one of the records of the year.

Track Listing:-

1 Out of Control
2 Lost Boy
3 Burnham Beeches
4 Rosebud

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/Lush-60433164
http://www.lushofficial.com/
https://twitter.com/lushbandtweets
https://www.instagram.com/lushbandoffi
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD4G5