Album Review: Blossoms - 'Gary'
Stockport heroes Blossoms show no signs of slowing down with their emphatic fifth studio album: ‘Gary’, which boasts some of their best work to date.
It’s safe to say that the group’s latest record has been highly anticipated. Everywhere they go, they electrify crowds with wowing performances of some of the UK’s most salient indie tunes.
With ‘Gary’ being the fifth full-length body of work to come from Blossoms, it’s evident that the quintet have utilised their previous album outings to achieve such well-rounded sounds, as heard on lead single ‘Gary’, a track that shows off everything Blossoms are brilliant at: charming melodies, jangly guitars, infectious rhythm… and of course some brilliant lyricism documenting the real-life tale of the disappearance of album-title-inspiring Gary. The eight-foot-tall, fibre-glass hearted gorilla may never have known that a whole album would be honoured to him…
Blossoms fifth studio effort kicks off with ‘Big Star’, a track worthy of opening any album. It boasts some of the funkiest guitar and bass sections that we’ve heard from the Stockport group. Lead guitar of Josh Dewhurst swings the album into motion, before the instantly recognisably groovy bass of Charlie Salt is added, all kept in check by the tight drumming of Joe Donovan.
Tom Ogden’s first lead vocal moment is striking and emphatic as he tells the story of seeking to become a ‘Big Star’. Synth sounds transcend the track, coming courtesy of Myles Kellock. The band come together to create an album-opener full of mystery and coolness. Their expert instrumentation mixed with the excellent voice of Ogden makes for a true head-bopper.
This track, in particular, feels as though it could be huge. It feels to be made for live shows, where fans will be able to lap up their very own ‘big stars’ live in the flesh.
Immediately following the opener comes two of the band’s singles which preceded the record: ‘What Can I Say After I’m Sorry’- the ultimate track for head bopping, as represented by the brilliant music video that came with it, as well as titular number: ‘Gary’.
‘Gary’ in song form is breath-taking. Not many artists can take a story like that of the iconic gorilla and turn it into a brilliant piece of music. Tom Ogden has mustered up lyricism in the style of artists like The Beatles, with the rest of the band perfectly complimenting him with their effortless chemistry. The melody of this one may be the thing that makes it so spectacular, being irresistibly catchy. Listeners who were somehow previously unaware of this one ahead of the record will be hooked upon first listen.
The entire record feels as though it’s perfect for live shows, capturing the unique synergy of Blossoms in every track. Frontman Tom Ogden commented on this, saying:
“The heart of this record is about the five of us recording live in a room together for the first time in years. We wanted to capture the energy of what it’s like when five friends decide to start a band and make music together.”
This energy, passion and love for what they do is so potent across the whole record. Blossoms are at the peak of their powers, and they seem to be relishing it!
Perhaps the best example of this is the standout number: ‘Mothers’. Lyrically, this one is perfect. Ogden explains that this one’s an ode to his friendship with drummer Joe Donovan. It references the fact that the pair’s mothers were friends in the 80’s. This key detail makes for the foundations of what is a truly captivating chorus. Full of funk, emphasis and musical quality, Ogden sings about the similarities between the pair’s lives and that of their mothers. It makes for a heart-warming, wholesome number.
Of course, though, the rest of the band add that signature stamp of Blossoms, making it a groovy number that will have crowds infatuated.
Blossoms are relentless with their new album. They maintain their energy throughout, right to the very end.
Closing track ‘Why Do I Give You The Worst Of Me?’ holds an epic guitar riff, filled with chorus and jangle. It drives the track through its verses, with Kellock’s hypnotic synths adding real emotion to the sonic make-up of the track.
It’s the ultimate album-closer. It shows off the band, one last time, on the record. They sound incredibly tight, with that live-energy and chemistry being captured perfectly.
The track shows off some of the frontman’s best vocals to date. The emotion in his voice bursts out of the track as he tells the powerful story of failing to give the best of yourself to someone.
The track, and the album finishes suddenly with Ogden singing out: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry”. While it feels abrupt, it’s the perfect way to end a track full of suspense and emotion.
With that, ‘Gary’ comes to a close.
Blossoms’ fifth studio album may be their best yet. They’ve achieved a wide range of sounds and styles and nailed every single one.
Fans of the band will be delighted with the record and will hope to hear it at the upcoming live shows. With their huge Wythenshawe Park show under their belts, Blossoms are set to take the rooves off of some of the UK's most iconic venues as they embark on a lengthy tour.
Words by Matthew Caslin
