ALBUM: Pinkshinyultrablast 'Everything Else Matters'

Rating:

With a name like Pinkshinyultrablast you’re probably not expecting a subtle sound, and the music is as striking as the name. The overall feel of this release is to capture the attention of the listener and keep it and they do just that.

This Russian five piece band have created a memorable debut album in Everything Else Matters. Did they create it as a reaction to the musical boredom they experienced in Saint-Petersburg? Who cares. Whatever the reason the result is the same, an album to be proud of.

The opening track, ‘Wish We Were’, is a mesmerising, almost instrumental piece with a reminder of vocals now and again, and what lush vocals Lyubov provides. It sounds like rock, dream pop and ambience have been thrown into the air and allowed to land however they want, picking up on elements of the likes of Sigur Ros and Saint Etienne in their music.

You can see why ‘Holy Forest’ has been chosen as a single release. It is probably the strongest track out of the eight songs and the most accessible. It is instantly appealing and one to gather a lot of attention.

‘Land’s End’ is another highlight – the music arrangement is a feast for the ears. They list Steve Reich as an influence, and you imagine Mr Reich would approve of this album.

They describe their music as “happy songs for happy zombies”. The walking dead never had it so good.

Everything Else Matters is out now via Vinyl Junkie Recordings.