The Pictish Trail have made some of Scene Alba’s favourite music so there’s a touch of trepidation when confronted with a whole new album. Can it live up to previous records?
Fortunately the answer is ‘Yes!’ and then some.
5 Stars
Johnny Lynch has taken his psychedelic, electro-pop and focussed it on ‘Thumb World’ that’s not to say that he’s made it too commercial he would never be so pedestrian, what he’s done is hone his songwriting into something spectacular.
You never know what’s coming next on this album, opener ‘Repeat Neverending’ is a slow starter to ease us into the record. Stuttering guitars and a low background beat guide Johnny’s vocals as the song opens up layer by layer it's a perfect track to begin with, so deceptively simple it unveils more and more on each listen.
‘Double Sided’ has a faster pulse and a gorgeous chorus, in fact this album is absolutely stacked with beautiful melodies it's a technicoloured embarrassment of riches all round.
‘Pig Nice’ has a shuffling beat and plucked guitars lending a lazy feel to it sounds like nothing that he’s done before nor does ‘Lead Balloon’ with its odd timing and treated vocals, again another song sporting a magnificent chorus.
Another thing about ‘Thumb World’ is that it's absolutely covered in bleeps. Electronic sounds are on almost every song which makes it feel current, futuristic and retro all at the same time. Classic Pictish Trail sounds appear on ‘Slow Memories’ and Heart Eyes’ both slower songs but apart from that there’s a lot of experimenting with tempos and sounds particularly on songs like ‘Bad Algebra’ which changes course completely from a charming swaggering ditty to a steel guitar blasting slab of seventies pop, it's thrilling to see an artist developing in such an inventive way.
The Pictish Trail have produced a classic album, full of charm, wonder and colour and it's an absolute pleasure to hear. ‘Thumb World’ is surprising and endlessly rewarding, just remember to use your thumb wisely.