Guillemots

For me Guillemots’ lost their way on the last album ‘Red’ but prior to that their debut album, ‘Through the Windowpane’, was a stunning album, earning a well deserved Mercury Prize nomination.

Since ‘Red’ came out lead singer Fyfe Dangerfield has released his solo album, Fly Yellow Moon, and helped the sales of John Lewis along the way.

Guillemots are now back with their third full studio album in ‘Walk the River’, and for me it’s a return towards their original form. The tracks are, on the whole, heavy on the production but this is one of the likeable quirks of the band. ‘Vermillion’ is an exception to the rule with a gentle guitar led track allowing Fyfe’s vocals to really shine. ‘Ice Room’ is a ‘Trains to Brazil’ styled track – fast paced and epic – one of the standout tracks on here. Current single ‘the Basket’ is another standout number, starting with skuzzy guitars and synths before the whoops and whoos come in – Guillemots at their best.

‘I Don’t Feel Amazing Now’ could become a summer anthem with its lazy Caribbean lilt during the chorus- great in the sun we have just had.

There are a couple of weaker tracks on here, in particular ‘Inside’ and ‘Sometimes I Remember’ are two of the less memorable tracks on here. But good far outweighs bad on tracks like ‘Tigers’ and Ice Room’ are real signature Guillemots allowing Fyfe’s vocals to accompany the complex musical background.

Closing track ‘Yesterday is Dead’ is an typical epic closer for Guillemots, running at 9 minutes, it may over stay its welcome a little but is a grand closing number.

This is not as good as Through the Windowpane, however it is a marked improvement on Red and a change in the right direction.