It seems like every group is getting back together in recent years. Even groups such as Guns N' Roses, who said they would never reunite, are teaming up for reunion shows. A lot of these reformations have also resulted in new material, to mixed results. We've seen successes (MBV), failures (Indie Cindy), and frustrating mixed results (Anthems for Doomed Youth). I am happy to report that the new EP from the newly reformed Lush is as successful as I could have hoped.
As shoegaze bands go, Lush are one of my favorites. They are more subdued than My Bloody Valentine and other noise driven shoegaze acts, eschewing ear shatteringly loud guitar fuzz for jangly, reverb washed chords and greater emphasis on lyrics, though still obscured in a dreamy haze. Near the end of their initial run, Lush also experimented with Britpop, giving up some of their dream pop leanings for a punkier edge and even more lyrical maturity. I feel like Blind Spot marries these eras beautifully, producing a bouncy and dreamy 12 string guitar driven record reminiscent of their early material, but boasting the more introspective and thoughtful lyrics of Lovelife era Lush.
My favorite track here has to be 'Burnham Beaches', with its sing along hook, sugary melody and laid back but driving beat. And also its about a couple that hates being around other people, which I can identify with (probably more than I'd like to admit). 'Lost Boy' is also a great song, which focuses on a break up on its surface, but can also be read into as dealing with the loss of their original drummer Chris Acland to suicide in 1996, leading to the band's original dissolution (Justin Welch of Elastica provides drums here, and does an admirable job).
All in all, I think this is a great EP, and hopefully a sign of more material to come. I really enjoy the songs, the fusion of the sounds Lush were experimenting with in their later days with their more characteristic approach, and the ever strengthening songwriting chops of Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson.
Out of a total of five stars, I give this:
What did you think of this record? Are there current releases that you're currently really excited about. Stay tuned for more upcoming reviews.
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