Reviews

Artist: The Beautiful World
Album: Mystery Pop
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 6
Website: http://www.thebeautifulword.co.uk

The photograph on the CD cover of The Beautiful Word's album, 'Mystery Pop', shows five brightly coloured young people, 3 boys, 2 girls looking chirpy and playful. Already refreshingly different from the moody monochromed young bands that we have so many of; I was relieved to find that The Beautiful Word's music reflected their dress sense to a T. The EP of six tracks proved a pleasure to listen to. Not one song the same, and yet mostly playful and sometimes haunting throughout. I love the toy piano on 'I Got Bored', and the brave acapella of Emily and Megan in 'Landmines' ; a marvellous tune (think Housemartins). 'This Light' could have been folked up to sound almost traditional but the band manage to keep their pop genre intact even with this one. However 'Regal Tom', the last track on the EP is totally instrumental with occasional floating wordless vocals from Emily. It's a relaxor, slightly Pink Floyd with a Santana style guitar (nice one Nelson), clear and upfront.

Thinking about it, Mystery Pop is a good EP to daydream to. There is something quite refreshing about these colourful people; they are a band who know there is no competition between themselves, and play the songs rather than just their instruments. Sublime bass lines (Scotty) and a fine drummer who doesn't build sheds (Gruff). Emily (vocals, guitar) and Megan (vocals, toy piano, glock) might be said to be major ingredients to the band's style with their sweet but strong vocals and musical competence.

The Beautiful Word have an EP full of delight and good songs. And what's more they included their lyrics in the CD packaging; Ace!

Miss James

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