One of the sonic delights that came to my inbox yesterday ended up there not because of an email sent by some band or PR company, but from Bandcamp, specifically because I had previously bought an EP from Wilson & Joy, an indie hybrid duo from North Wales who delightfully combine a variety of genres, primarily shoegaze, alt rock, folk-rock, and dreampop. So what did I get in my mail? Notification of a new EP release by the duo (Phil Wilson and Marc Joy) which, in my mind, is their best work to date. Thank you Bandcamp! So here's a play by play of what you can expect to (and should) hear.
First track = 'Vampire'. This one combines the swoon and catch of Travis with the charm and melancholy of Trash Can Sinatras (especially from their phase). Scotland and Wales just came that much closer through this song.
Second track = 'Lost'. The first guitar lead-in to the second track immediately brings associations with The Smiths and The Cure, while the rest of the song leads you to other reminiscences from the 1980s/early 1990s, namely sounds and feelings experienced in the likes of The Railway Children, Icicle Works, and 'The Hurting' phase of Tears for Fears.
Third track = 'Walk Alone'. Definitely treading (tiptoeing) into Jesus & Mary Chain and MBV territory here, but it is done ever so tastefully, so let it be - listen up and listen loud… Phil Wilson's vocals are ever so pure though relative to these bands, seemingly like Travis is now making a guest appearance.
Fourth track = 'Brighter (Bricabracboy's Dimmer Switch Remix)'. Comparisons escape me for the first part of the song, other than that funky urban pop beat that drums up parallels to Lorde's 'Royals'. However, that strong association only stays there until the vocals kick in. Towards the song, we are slipping into this house with a nice nod to Screamadelica-era of Primal Scream's 'Loaded'. A very nice way to go out, really.
The Vampire EP was released through Ear to Ear Records, which is based out of Mold, North Wales. Recorded and produced by Marc Joy (Tim and Sam's Band, Mike Peters, Golden Fable). Wilson and Joy are a songwriting/production team based in the North West of England. They have worked together since 2003 and over the years have amassed a substantial back catalogue of original material, originally beginning under the name The Raft (with 8 albums to date). Apart from participating in Wilson & Joy, Phil Wilson continues to write and perform with his band "The Raft", while Marc Joy operates alongside Lisa Von H as 'Lights That Change'.
Wilson & Joy's website
Buy the EP
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