Stopfordian heroes, Blossoms, return with album number five. Gary is their most collaborative effort yet.

Released: 20th September 2024

Label: ODD SK Recordings

Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital

PART OF THE FURNITURE

Blossoms have been a part of the musical furniture for a decade now. Since their first releases in 2014, Blossoms have grown to be a band that have festival crowds in the palm of their hand, and are not shy of the big stage. In their native North West, they have played huge outdoor shows and have risen to the challenge each and every time.

Big Star opens the album with a lovely open guitar riff. Attached to it are punchy synths, mid tempo rhythms and Ogden’s now unmistakeable vocals. A sharper guitar spikes out as the song evolves.

We collaborated more than we ever have on this record too, and alongside working with long-time collaborator James Skelly, we brought in Josh and CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson). We hired an AirBnB on the seafront in Anglesey and locked ourselves away for the writing session with Ciara and it was one of the most inspiring few days we’ve had as a band. During the writing process, we were listening to a lot of Bowie, Blondie, and Hall & Oates.

Tom Ogden, Blossoms

What Can I Say After I’m Sorry? is a funky little number (produced by Josh-Lloyd Watson of Jungle). Released as the first track from Gary, it has a slinky bass line snakes around as the light guitar licks Nile Rogers could have laid down spurt off. The layered harmonies and general vibe give off huge yacht rock vibes. It’s laid back, it’s catchy, it’s cool, it’s fun. The light tone continues on the title track. Featuring a spritely tempo and uplifting handclaps around an acoustic guitar line, it feels like a song The Coral might have turned their hand too. This is unsurprising, being that James Skelly is in the studio with Blossoms.

I Like Your Look (again produced by Josh-Lloyd Watson of Jungle) continues the funky flavour laid down earlier. Some of the rapped lyrics talking of painting the White House pink hark back to Parliament’s Chocolate City. It’s also hard not to see Blondie’s Rapture as an influence here. Blossoms pull it off in their own hedonistic way and create what will undoubtedly become a live favourite. Nightclub offers more hedonism; again with an irresistible groove.

PERFECT ME

Perfect Me is a driving indie anthem that raises the tempo. Again, it is catchy, and one that will be a huge singalong in the live arena. As the instrumental section takes the song home, you can’t help but feel like raising a fist in exultation. Mothers offers nods to Rick Astley and The Smiths; two bands intrinsically linked to Blossoms. It’s sickening how flipping catchy some of this is; I’d challenge anyone to get through Gary without tapping a toe or nodding a head.

The Smiths, moreover, Johnny Marr, is prevalent in Cinnamon. A jangly guitar opens up another tight little indie number. As the album moves through its short 30 minute duration, it is clear that Blossoms have zero fat on these songs. Each is honed into a two to three minute pop song; each and every track could be a single.

The album tracks themselves are based on different stories, mostly from personal experience. On ‘Big Star’ after seeing a well-known music journalist in the Chateau Marmont, I debate going over and introducing myself but then shyness gets the better of me and I don’t. ‘I Like Your Look’ is a tipping of the hat to Blondie’s ‘Rapture’ and a wink to Joan Baez ‘Time Rag’, and lyrically it explores a tongue-in-cheek approach to high fashion. ’Mothers’ is an ode to my and Joe’s friendship and it references the fact that our mothers were friends back in the 80s.

Tom Ogden, Blossoms

SLOW DOWN

Slow Down reprises the sultry bass lines and layered harmonies. Lyrically, the song talks of what romance is and how to love. Introspective themes are wrapped in the sweetest of sounds; it’s pure 10CC at points (themselves no strangers to Stockport and Strawberry Studios). Why Do I Give You The Worst Of Me? is another reflective song that is showered in glowing music.

Gary is a brilliant record. None of the songs feel like filler, and each one bounces of its own volition. As mentioned, you could have ten singles on your hands. If you’re a fan of Blossoms, you’ll lap it up. If you’re not, and you dig 10CC, The War On Drugs, Bruce Springsteen, Blondie and yacht rock, the Gary could fill a musical hole for you.

Check out the Sean Dyche featuring funky video for What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?

Blossoms: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube

Keep up with At The Barrier: Facebook / X (formerly Twitter) / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube