Wow. What a way to mark your return. It's been over two years since ex Tidy Ups man Olov Antonsson's last record with Cocoanut Groove, and his quest for baroque indiepop perfection continues to satisfy at the highest level. This six-track EP is a masterclass in picking, choosing, merging and combining classic sounds into some exquisite and captivating songs that will make instant fans out of even those uninitiated with such orchestral pop delights. Title track 'Colours' is sixties French pop augmented by delicate brass, the occasional touch of flamenco guitar and a brief flurry of 'Paint It Black's guitar. We should also mention that the spectre of Belle & Sebastian is never too far away.
It's not all about the lead track though, far far from it. The piano led retro pop of 'The Storm' is exceptionally melodic and sparkles despite being backed with mournful strings. They turn to The Beatles on this one, borrowing some harpsichord from 'In My Life'. Despite the references to legends past, these songs have no problem standing on their own two feet and are well on the way to becoming classics in their own right. Like The Byrds? It could well be Roger McGuinn providing the jangle for 'Huckleberry', a marvellously summery yet maudlin song complete with castanets. The rollicking 'The Spell' uses a shivery twang to drive its message home. In short the 'Colours' EP is about as close to eclectic indiepop perfection as you're likely to hear for a while, and without a shadow of a doubt warrants a doff of the proverbial cap.
Cocoanut Groove's website
Buy the EP
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