It hasn't gone unnoticed that Nottingham has become one of the UK's prime breeding grounds for quality new music these past few years, and while We Show Up On Radar might not be the first name that springs to mind, they're certainly one of the city's finest going concerns and this debut album will doubtless capture many hearts. Andy Wright and his band of merry men and women has created a work of genuine beauty, seeping with emotion and barbed melodies. This is indiepop, but not of the genus you might expect. You can forget your jangly guitars and fuzzy production, references to C86 and bubblegum melodies, 'Sadness Defeated' doesn't fit the lo-fi aesthetic that's so close to becoming tired again, this is cleanly produced, grand and sweeping; but not pompous or overcooked. The choice of Jason Boshoff (Basement Jaxx, Groove Armada) as producer proves inspired, making these songs glitter in a different way than is the norm.
For an album called 'Sadness Defeated', there sure is a heck of a lot of sadness to be found. 'Celadora' instantly tugs on the heart strings, eloquently documenting "hummingbirds with broken hearts", while the title-track that follows it talks of selling-off loneliness at "less than cost" in an attempt to banish the blues. 'It Should Be You & Me' mentions silent air attacks on the heart and 'Where Is My Love (In The Arms Of Billy Crystal)' adds further weight to the fact than things aren't quite right in We Show Up On Radar's world. The means by such feelings are expressed is wonderfully unique; the lyrics are clever and distinctive and the music is simply exceptional. Electronic sounds mingle with brass and strings and Wright's tender, boyish vocals are divine, but it's when the whole group chorus together that your spine really begins to tingle.
It's a powerful and emotional ride and is as captivating and passionate as any album you'll hear this year. There's a chance it might be a touch sugary for some tastes, although even those who would normally steer clear of this sweet and heartfelt variety of pop (the closest reverence point is Ooberman without any shadow of a doubt) might just fall for these alluring songs. Lines like "I'll be a ghost and you'll be an angel" (I'll Be A Ghost') would sound cloying in anyone else's hands: here they're magical and the final sparkles of 'Hands Up If You're Lost' round things up in typically ornate fashion. Also, if there's been a more enchantingly pretty song than 'The Anchors Of Your Heart' released this year then we're yet to hear it. 'Sadness Defeated' is a moving, spellbinding and absorbing record that must surely stand up as one of the indiepop albums of the year and this is a group who deserve to show up on everyone's radar.
We Show Up On Radar's website
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