(This review first appeared in issue 52 of Shindig! magazine)
The Sunchymes are a
studio-based sunshine pop outfit from the distinctly unsunny environs
of Northampton, and are a vehicle for the writing and arranging
talents of auteur Aaron Hemmington. Their third album continues their
ever more assured line in harpsichord and harmony laced soft-psych.
Packed with Brian Wilson-esque melodies, chamber-pop arrangements and
lyrics about parks, carousels and daydreaming, it makes for a
pleasant, knowingly lightweight listen. The use of Mellotron strings
and subtle phasing give the album a gently disorientating twist,
though it's more psych that's safe for children than the full on
lysergic experience.
'Time Will Tell' is
typical of the fayre; breezy, upbeat and sugary. Despite lacking that
killer song the album does a fine job in recreating a certain period
charm and finely straddles the line between soft psychedelia and
bubblegum. Abandon your alphabetical filing and stash this one
between The Beach Boys' Friends and The Banana Splits LP.
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