The vanguard of Canadian indie that has gate crashed the British music scene shows no sign of abating, as Miracle Fortress join compatriots Arcade Fire on Rough Trade with their debut release Five Roses.
Essentially a solo album by Think About Life's Graham van Pelt, Miracle Fortress' songs are a world away from the angst ridden, apocalyptica of Arcade Fire's most recent offering.
From the driving opener Whirrs, Five Roses wears its influences unashamedly on its sleeve, in particular that of a certain Beach Boy.
The record is essentially an updated take on Brian Wilson's oeuvre. Maybe Lately rips of the melody of Don't Worry Baby and the swirling synths, breezy horns and harmonies are unmistakeabley Wilson-esque.
This works up to a point. Little Trees and Have You Seen in Your Dreams are soothing slices of summer pyschedelia. The scuzzy electronic interludes also provide a counterpoint to some of the more ethereal moments. The whole album sounds like it could soundtrack a hazy summer afternoon perfectly.
But as a pleasant as the record is, it lacks a certain spark that would put it in the 'essential' bracket. Van Pelt's vocals are unremarkable and some of the tunes are guilty of melding into one another.
Both Super Furry Animals and the Flaming Lips have blazed a trail in showing how the Wilson sound can be brought bang up to date with wit and originality, and Five Roses just falls down on this this score.
3/5
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