The Pastels: Slow Summits

Even if you've never heard of The Pastels, you'll have heard their influence on the likes of Belle & Sebastian and Camera Obscura (see left!). The Glaswegians have spent more than three decades in business and, while their first album in 16 years doesn't signify any major sonic shift, there is real pleasure to be found in the summery jangle of Night Time Made Us and Come to the Dance. The lush, languid orchestration of Kicking Leaves marks a departure from the breezy indiepop strut that informs most songs, while standout track Slowly Taking Shape's snaky woodwind intro shifts into a shady passage akin to Love and Arthur Lee. The deft addition of darkness to the album's over-riding radiance makes Slow Summits more than just a hollow nostalgia trip.
Thepastels.org
Download: Night Time Made Us, Slowly Taking Shape