I’m from Motherwell so Bellshill is two minutes from my house, so I know exactly where Sean Dickson comes from. He managed to get John Peel to Bellshill, hit the top ten, supported INXS and the Soup Dragons became big in America and then imploded and he kind of fell of the radar. However, remember I’m still stuck here in Motherwell, if we had never heard of him again he could have rightly have been proud of his achievements.
David McAlmont appeared on the scene and if you are of a religious persuasion you would have to say God decided he was giving him a voice. He hit big with Bernard Butler with the magnificent Yes (joyous to this day) then guess what, kind of fell of the radar. Subsequent work with a range of people and education has been his pleasure of recent years and remember he has that voice.
They became friends when Dickson (now Hifi Sean) made his debut album Excursions with guest vocalist, McAlmont being one of them. They made the well-received Happy Endings and now they return with two records, Twilight will be out later, but for now we must make do with Daylight and make do we certainly shall.
So how does McAlmont manage the Soup Dragon guitars? He doesn’t need to as this is a record of gospel, beats and soul, Dickson may still play with the Soup Dragons but he shows here he has many strings to his bow.
This is a summer record with Sean knowing the exact beats and rhythms behind David’s stunning vocals and the choir in the background on several songs enhances, not distracts.
Highlights for me are Coalition with the banana republic line and David’s vocal right down to the shimmering last note and the synth throughout Golden Hour. Sad Banger has it all, great title, interesting but not intrusive beats and does not outstay its welcome.
Usb to Usc has a start like an indie band of the nineties before the synths come in and David basically lists things, did I mention he has a voice and a half.
Living Things the choir are back. We can relax and just enjoy the beauty of the voice and the electronica with a laidback groove to this track. Stressful day and need chilled this is the song for you.
They have worked on their own and with many collaborators, but Sean and David may have found their perfect musical partners. Go the Bellshill and the London boy.
8/10
GIVE IT A STREAM: Living Things
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