Electric Cables

About

The sparkling, summery “Two Lines,” which opens <i>Electric Cables</i>, is at once familiar. Its hazy, vintage vibe recalls the gentler moments of The Velvet Underground, as well as the long-lived indie pop band Teenage Fanclub. There’s good reason for the latter evocation: Lightships is the project of Fanclub bassist/singer/songwriter Gerard Love, joined here by Fanclub members past and present (Dave McGowan and Brendan O’Hare), plus people like Bob Kildea of Belle & Sebastian and Tom Crossley of The Pastels (on flute!). This debut sports pastoral pianos and soothing woodwinds; it almost feels like a nod to spring or new love. The tunes with the most staying power are the breezy “Sweetness in Her Spark,” the electronics-kissed “Every Blossom,” and the perfect blend of power pop and airy fragility that is “Silver & Gold.” Gentle background gales of guitar give “Muddy Rivers” a bit more heft, while dreamy, gossamer delights like “The Warmth of the Sun” and “Sunlight to the Dawn” feel like the downy-soft flipside to the Fanclub’s most catchy, irresistible tunes.

via Apple Music