Flying high...
Do you know what your summer's missing? Well, okay, apart from sunshine. That's right, Two Wounded Birds' debut album. It may come as a bit of a surprise that this is their first full release, as they have fast become one of those things you can't imagine a world without- like door handles and can openers. Their hype has been solely built on hard work, cracking live slots and a beloved collection of EPs and singles. Surfer-rocking on the crest of a glorious wave following this year's Camden Crawl and cameo alongside The Drums at the Roundhouse, this record is going to shoot one of Cupid's arrows right through your heart.
From the very first echoing twang of the thoroughly 'Beach Boys' sound of Together Forever, Two Wounded Birds set their own bar very high. Well, even Brian Wilson himself has publicly praised them and that's not bad going, eh? Groove-laden and ice cool in equal measure, this track is ripe for success in it's two minute gallop through fifties retro... before leading onto something that sounds tailor made for a Tarantino soundtrack (My Lonesome.) You can almost smell John Travolta's Royale with Cheese.
But it's when the fantastically euphoric To Be Young kicks in that you can really start to feel those sun rays. Rhythmic guitar and a cinematic indie edge builds the presence and triumph we've seen from Glasvegas in the past - which may account for Two Wounded Birds' support on their recent tour. It's Not Up To You is every inch as good as Geraldine if you ask us. Coincidentally, they also like sing about their Pa too, but Daddy's Junk is more rock n' roll riot than heartfelt despair. Different strokes and all that.
Altogether, this is an absolute aural delight. Chilled but upbeat, rock n' roll but mellow, there are endlessly likeable facets to the Two Wounded Birds personality. Just when you find a favourite track one more comes along to change your mind. If Only We Remain almost clinched it, then the simple beauty of No Goodbyes made things a bit more difficult- but even then we're not sure. This record is made for your lazy afternoons on your holidays, so make sure you pop it on your packing checklist.